Archive first published
Opel Mokka X: The 2016 Update, the 112 kW Turbo and What Came Next
The Opel Mokka X was the facelifted first-generation Mokka, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. It brought a wing-shaped grille, adaptive LED headlamps, a new dashboard with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, and a 1.4 Turbo with 112 kW (152 PS). It went on sale in autumn 2016. Opel built it until 2019.
Key takeaways
- Revealed in February 2016 and shown at Geneva in March; on sale from autumn 2016.
- New 1.4 Direct Injection Turbo with 112 kW (152 PS), 6-speed automatic and adaptive all-wheel drive.
- The "X" marked Opel's SUVs; the Crossland X and Grandland X followed.
- Replaced in 2020 by the second-generation Mokka, which got a 207 kW GSE version in 2025.
Why the first Mokka gained an X
The original model of 2012 was developed by GM Korea and shared its basics with the Buick Encore. It sold well: Opel reported more than 500,000 sales by early 2016. The mid-life update was more than cosmetic. The cabin, the lights and the range-topping engine were all new.
Size at a glance
Mitsubishi ASX I
The Opel Mokka is 17 mm shorter, 7 mm wider and 21 mm taller than the Mitsubishi ASX I.
| Dimensions | Opel Mokka | Mitsubishi ASX I | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,278 mm168.4 in | 4,295 mm169.1 in | −17 mm−0.7 in |
| Width | 1,777 mm70.0 in | 1,770 mm69.7 in | +7 mm+0.3 in |
| Height | 1,646 mm64.8 in | 1,625 mm64.0 in | +21 mm+0.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,555 mm100.6 in | 2,670 mm105.1 in | −115 mm−4.5 in |
| Boot | 356 L12.6 cu ft | 415 L14.7 cu ft | −59 L−2.1 cu ft |
Citroen C4 Aircross
The Opel Mokka is 63 mm shorter, 22 mm narrower and 21 mm taller than the Citroen C4 Aircross.
| Dimensions | Opel Mokka | Citroen C4 Aircross | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,278 mm168.4 in | 4,341 mm170.9 in | −63 mm−2.5 in |
| Width | 1,777 mm70.0 in | 1,799 mm70.8 in | −22 mm−0.9 in |
| Height | 1,646 mm64.8 in | 1,625 mm64.0 in | +21 mm+0.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,555 mm100.6 in | - | - |
| Boot | 356 L12.6 cu ft | 384 L13.6 cu ft | −28 L−1.0 cu ft |
The added letter was a naming plan. From 2016 Opel used "X" for its SUVs, and this car led the way. Both generations are covered in our Opel Mokka guide.
Mokka X changes at a glance
| Area | Mokka X (2016) |
|---|---|
| Front | Wing-shaped horizontal grille, LED daytime running lights |
| Headlamps | Adaptive Forward Lighting LED, nine light patterns |
| Dashboard | Redesigned, fewer buttons, Astra-style layout |
| Screen | 7- or 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Connectivity | OnStar in 29 countries, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot |
| New engine | 1.4 Direct Injection Turbo, 112 kW (152 PS) |
| Drive | 6-speed automatic with adaptive all-wheel drive |
The old 1cars note said the new turbo had debuted in the Astra, which fits Opel's engine strategy of the time. The other engines carried over from the earlier car.
Small-SUV rivals in 2016
The facelifted car faced a crowded small-SUV class: the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Mitsubishi ASX. Its selling points were the available all-wheel drive and the new connectivity package. Set it against any rival in the comparison tool or check its footprint with the size comparison tool.
After the X: Opel's small SUV from 2016 to 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mar 2016 | Mokka X shown at the Geneva Motor Show |
| Autumn 2016 | Sales start in Europe |
| 2017 | European production peaks at 169,886 cars |
| 2019 | Opel ends first-generation production |
| 24 Jun 2020 | Second-generation Mokka unveiled, electric version first |
| 23 Oct 2024 | Facelift with a new logo and updated software |
| 23 Jul 2025 | Mokka GSE: 207 kW (281 PS), 0–100 km/h in 5.9 s |
GM Korea kept making the related Buick Encore for North America until 2022. Opel also planned an electric version, as covered in our 2018 report. It arrived in 2020 as the Mokka-e of the next generation, with a 50 kWh battery and a 322 km WLTP range. The second generation dropped the "X", and Opel later stopped using the suffix.
The current Mokka in 2026: which one to buy
In October 2026 the second-generation Mokka is on sale with combustion and electric versions, and the GSE sits at the top.
Our verdict: a used Mokka X 1.4 Turbo with all-wheel drive suits drivers in snowy regions on a budget. Front-drive petrol cars are cheaper to run. For a newer car, the current Mokka is more efficient and better connected. Browse the Opel catalogue for all versions.
FAQ
When did the Opel Mokka X come out?
Opel revealed it in February 2016 and showed it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. European sales began in the autumn of 2016, about four years after the original Mokka.
What engine did the Mokka X introduce?
A new 1.4-litre direct-injection turbo petrol with 112 kW (152 PS). It came with a 6-speed automatic and adaptive all-wheel drive, and it topped the petrol range.
Why is it called Mokka X?
From 2016 Opel used the letter X to mark its SUV models. The Crossland X and Grandland X followed, and the suffix was dropped with the next Mokka.
Is the Opel Mokka X still made?
No. Opel ended first-generation production in 2019, although the related Buick Encore lasted until 2022. The second-generation Mokka, launched in 2020, is the current model in 2026.
