Reviewed: Opel Mokka-e SRi electric compact SUV

The Opel Mokka-e SRi has a special offer, making it the cheapest EV in New Zealand. Photo: Liz Dobson

Opel New Zealand is doubling the Clean Car Discount for all buyers of the Mokka-e SRi, making it New Zealand’s lowest priced top-spec, fully-electric car.

The Mokka-e SRi is now available from just $52,740+ ORC with Opel’s double rebate deal slashing a hefty $17,250 off the original $69,990 pricing.

The Mokka-e knocks out the BYD Atto 3 ($58,990 + ORC) as the cheapest EV in New Zealand. Opel is providing its own additional rebate of $8,625 upon purchase to match the Government’s Clean Car Discount of the same amount.

The Mokka-e SRi has an electric range of 363km, and it features include fast charging capabilities (80% in 30 minutes), IntelliLux Matrix headlights, and the wraparound Opel Pure Panel display.

The SRi will soon be joined by the Live Edition priced at $54,365 after the Clean Car discount.

Opel New Zealand Commercial Manager Noah Robertson says Opel is New Zealand’s most efficient  German car brand and the Mokka-e is its hero model.  

The Opel Mokka-e SRi is priced at $52,740 for a limited time.

“It features state-of-the-art technology and a new modern German design language called ‘Bold &  Pure’, it also has an incredibly plush ride.” 

Opel is now part of the Stellantis group so Mokka shares mechanicals with the Peugeot 2008. 

AutoMuse recently tested the Mokka-e SRi and was impressed by not only the range but also the exterior styling and extra features such as heated front seats.

It’s a good-looking compact SUV and I liked the toned-down exterior with its classic looks compared with some electric vehicles such as the Atto 3. 

I liked the red accent on the roofline, giving a higher-looking stance on the road, and the two-toned exterior paint.

The interior was pure Opel, with standard features you’d find in non-EVs. I liked this as it keeps it true to the German brand rather than changing things up just because it’s electric. 

The instrument cluster gives you such information as your range, while it also has lane-keeping assistance, automated emergency braking, and road sign recognition. It also has a 180-degree rear-view camera, and adaptive cruise control.

The electric motor produces 100 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque with 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Mokka-e compact SUV has a range of 363km.

The Mokka-e has three drive modes: eco (best avoid), normal, and power - though don’t think the torque boost you find in other rivals can feel like you’re in a rocket ship!

Eco just sucks the life out the driving with a sluggish response, while normal is great for city driving, the power helps on the motorway. I only used eco when I was low on range.

To recharge it, Opel says it takes 28 hours via a home plug or seven hours via a wall box. I had made the mistake of plugging another EV with a large battery at home to charge overnight (to at least give me some ks to get to a public charger). The next day I was alerted by my power supplier of unusually high use and warned of a big bill.

So, with the Mokka-e I used the free charger at my local shopping mall.

On the road, the Mokka-e is extremely quiet and its handling is what you’d expect from a front-wheel-drive compact SUV: reliable but not noteworthy. Again, this is a city vehicle that more than holds itself on the open road.

The Mokka-e is a car you need to put on your list if you are keen on an EV, and at the reduced price is a pretty impressive vehicle.

The Opel Mokka-e SRi  produces 100 kW of power and 260 Nm of torque.