Far is the Opel Mokka X launched in 2017, it is the turn of electrification and the German firm will not be left behind. The new Opel Mokka, presented after the confinement, recovers its initial name to take a different course.
As often happens, with a new life comes a daring and risky look , ready to conquer unknown horizons. This small 4.15 meter long SUV has been developed on the PSA Group’s CMP platform , an architecture that allows the integration of all types of electrification. The DS 3 Crossback and the Peugeot 2008, along with their electric variants, are the best example of their versatility and commitment to sustainable mobility today. Opel wanted to take this evolution one step further, retouching what makes a brand more recognizable: its logo. When it comes to reinventing itself there are no limits, not even those of the history of lightning that has presented iconic models such as the Astra, the Ascona or the Kadett. With the arrival of the new Opel Mokka, the legendary brand emblem looks more minimal and direct than ever.
The surrounding ring is thinner, more precise and distinctive. According to Mark Adams, the brand’s vice president of design, “this emphasizes lightning more.” Everything in the new logo is smaller and more discreet , like the Opel letters integrated in the lower area of the circle. A finesse that best fits the opaque grille of the electric variant of the new Mokka. In addition, it integrates seamlessly with the extremely slim and horizontal front and rear light clusters. Just below it is the Mokka emblem, with special typography and a privileged location in the center of the tailgate. This front design language is called Opel Vizor and will be shared by future models in the German range. One more evolution of a logo that has been with us since 1963, which was established for the entire company in 1970 and which has changed over the years, adapting to the tastes and trends of each era.
More efficient and ecological
The new Mokka has been presented in its zero emission variant. However, Opel was committed to reducing emissions from its vehicles from the very beginning. 35 years ago, the Opel Ascona 1.8i was the first German vehicle with a specific catalytic converter for the European market. The engineers were not content to adapt the systems exported from the United States, they developed a catalytic converter designed for European traffic conditions . This introduction required numerous modifications to the design of the model. For example, this converter radiated a lot of heat so reflective shields were needed for sensitive areas close to the engine. It also involved the incorporation of an electronic system with many controls and cables to fit together without leaving loose ends.
The development of these catalysts involved the investment of one billion German marks, one hundred of them for the creation of new platforms and the durability and high speed tests. The facilities were renovated and included a 13-story-high immersion tower, an isolated building in which emissions tests of 130 cars were carried out simultaneously. Opel’s commitment was not only to new customers, but also to those who already owned a Thunderbolt model. For that reason, engineers created an upgrade kit and opened a phone line for owners to get answers about catalysts.
Comfort as a fundamental pillar
Firms usually have elements that characterize them. For example, Citroën is the democratizer of premium systems, Seat the most connected brand in the Volkswagen group and Alfa Romeo shows the refined Italian design concept. Opel has paid attention to a key element that often goes unnoticed: the seats. Many of us tend to pay more attention to the engine, performance, trunk capacity and even interior roominess, but without comfortable seats none of this would matter . Achieving perfect ergonomics has become another goal of the German firm, which already has the AGR certification for the Astra, Grandland X and Crossland X models.
An incorrect driving posture can lead to fatigue problems, pain in the legs, shoulders, muscle tension and headaches. To achieve AGR certification, delivered by an independent organization of specialists in postural medicine , it is necessary that the seats have a wide regulation. In the aforementioned models, we can change the seat height, the distance from the steering wheel, the inclination and the length of the bench, but we also have lumbar support and a good grip on the side backrests. The tests also take into account the fabrics, the performance of the heated seating system and the massage effect.
