Opel has shown off its new Mokka compact crossover, but only in heavily camouflaged form. Against a backdrop of green leaves, and covered in a matching body wrap, we can see that, in profile at least, the Mokka looks very much like a taller, chunkier Corsa - which is pretty much mechanically what it is.
Electric and conventional models
It shares the same CMP platform as the Corsa, and also the Peugeot 208 and 2008, and the Citroen C3 and C3 Picasso. As with the Peugeot 2008, the Mokka will be available with conventional petrol or diesel engines, or as an electric model, using a 136hp motor, and a 50kWh battery pack, which should be good for a range of around 320km. The conventional engines will be the existing 110hp and 130hp 1.2-litre petrol three-cylinder turbo units (with the possibility of the sporty 155hp version too) and a 100hp 1.5-litre diesel.
'Detoxed' styling
Opel says that the car's styling language will be 'detoxed' which we take to mean that it will be influenced by the clean, sharp lines of the GT X Experimental concept car. Opel has also confirmed that the interior will have a 'fully digitised' environment, so expect a big touchscreen and electronic instruments.
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said: "I have followed the development of the new Mokka very closely for two and a half years and I am very proud of this new Opel, which will be electric from the very beginning! I can promise that the new Mokka will be one of the most exciting cars in our long history! This second generation shows everything Opel stands for today and in the future, it will change the perception of our brand. Our engineers still have important work to do, but I'm looking forward to presenting the new Mokka soon."
Launching in early 2021
Right now, the Mokka (which drops the old model's 'X' branding) is still in development and is due for launch at the beginning of 2021. If there is a Paris Motor Show this autumn (which seems very doubtful) then we might get to see the Mokka in the flesh around September time. If not, then presumably Opel will launch it online instead.