ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS ON THE POTENT OPEL MOKKA GSE

My first real encounter with the Opel Brand came by Frank O’Rourke and Bob Montgomery; they were drivers in the race side of Dealer Opel Team Ireland and they enjoyed much success on the Irish circuits, Mondello Park, Kirkistown and Phoenix Park; in the Park I recall them being joined by Belfast business man George Windrum in his big Commodore and it was an impressive sight as it sped through the leafy circuit. Of course there was also the rally side of the team.

With the new Opel Mokka GSE, there is a rally feeling to the road; based on the motorsport prototype, it delivers full electric power 207 kW (281bhp) and this production car is just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart. With an immediate torque of 345 Nm, it accelerates just as uncompromisingly; from a standing start it can reach 100kph (62mph) in just 5.9 seconds and with a top speed of 200kph (124mph), it is the fastest all electric Opel car. With the Mokka GSE you can choose from the three distinct drive modes ‘Sport’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Eco’. In ‘Sport’ mode, it is set up for performance and delivers its full power; in ‘Normal’ mode it reaches up to 180kph (112mph) and in ‘Eco’ all settings are trimmed for the greatest possible efficiency and it stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Its kerb weight is less than 1.6 tonnes, which is exemplary for a battery-electric vehicle, and the sophisticated technology, which was also inspired by the rally prototype, also contribute to the exceptional performance. The Mokka GSE has a Torsen multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a chassis with specially designed axles and new hydraulic shock absorbers. All high-voltage components of the standard Mokka GSE, such as the motor, inverter, battery and wiring harness, come from the Mokka GSE Rally. The steering system, chassis and brakes have also been designed to be particularly sporty and optimised thanks to Opel’s experience in electric rallying. With a sporty exterior, it is sharper and even more emotive than its model siblings. There are GSE-specific inserts inspired by the rally prototype which adorn the compact electric car on the front apron and at the rear and safe contact with the road is ensured by the wheel-tyre combination specially developed for this car. The new aerodynamically optimised twenty inch alloy wheels combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport EV 225/40 R20 tyres are only available as are the clearly visible yellow GSE four-piston brake calipers at the front wheels. Making a further statement, the yellow and black GSE lettering on the front and sides.

Moving to the interior, the driver and co-driver have special Alcantara GSE performance seats with integrated headrests, which optimally integrate the driver into the vehicle. A white line that extends across the centre of the covers and yellow stitching give the seats their characteristic look. Furthermore, GSE specific Alcantara door inserts further underline the attention to detail. The steering system, which was newly developed for this car, and steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom, promise direct feedback while aluminium sports pedals await acceleration and braking commands. Info is provided to the driver by the ten inch digital driver information display that can be customised in many ways and the central colour touchscreen plus navigation system. The screen contains additional information like GSE performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more. The displays were also designed in the typical GSE style. Numerous safety systems are included as standard, from glare-free Intelli-Lux Matrix light to automatic speed assistant and active lane keeping assist to a 180-degree rear-view camera. There are features such as multi-stage seat heating for the driver and co-driver and a heated steering wheel enhance comfort in everyday driving and compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly. Quite a performance package from Opel.

Ian Lynas