Opel Mokka challenges Ford Puma

The small SUV market now has something for everyone. The Opel Mokka plays a more urban, playful and design card than ever before… like a particular Ford Puma appealing to the public. So which one is the most seductive?

 

Small SUVs have become popular (approximately 20% market share in Europe). Behind the leaders Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, Mokka and Puma play a more fun and urban card. Opel attends the ball this year with a magnificent design that kickstarts the brand’s new style. It’s a little more compact than the Puma (4.15m instead of 4.19m) and doesn’t mind playing around with the contrasts in the GS Line finish (third level with a pretty sporty character) photographed here. For this comparison seductive small SUVs, The Mokka is equipped with a three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech turbo engine in 130 hp version coupled to an EAT8 automatic transmission (Aisin eight-speed torque converter box). At the top of this range.

 

For a little over a year, Puma shows off its sporty silhouette on our roads It stands out with its magnificent headlights inspired by the Ford GT. It responds to Mokka’s engine with its 125 hp 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine with automatic transmission (Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission). Note that this combination will go on sale at the end of the year with a micro-hybridization system, for which the version with manual transmission is already equipped.

Mokka and Puma, competitive prices

As the GS Line configuration is displayed in another price range, we keep the Mokka’s Elegance finish, which is billed at €26,300 for a comparison with the Puma Titanium. It’s still €1,000 more expensive than the Ford, but the Mokka offers automatic climate control, rear-view camera and cruise control as standard on the Puma. Therefore a status quo budget side. It’s also worth noting that the standard equipment of these two small urban SUVs is generally generous, especially including reversing radars, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, 17″ alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights (see page 2 for details).

To drive: lively and agile in the city

 

Small, powerful three-cylinder turbo engine combined with automatic transmission, high driving position, low weight and compact size: this is what makes our two rivals the kings of the city. At the wheel of the Opel, we appreciate the middle solid in the line of sight of the hood, the dimensions of the SUV” Made in France » (built in Poissy) and good maneuverability with a better turning circle (11 m between walls versus 11 m between pavements).

The higher torque (230 Nm vs. 200) of its engine, achieved at the same speed of 1,750 rpm, does not give it any advantage in city driving. The three-cylinder PSA, on the other hand, is less powerful at low revs, much louder, harder and less smooth when restarting Stop & Start. On the road, Opel compensates for this with its equally reassuring behavior, good comfort despite the 18-inch wheels (smaller will be better) and very good sound insulation. It is only one of two models to offer manual shifting (only Ford from ST-Line).

 

The Puma shows greater consistency behind the wheel, thanks to its excellent little EcoBoost engine, which is both ultra cautious at idle and very flexible and responsive in city driving, offering a pleasant sound and, if necessary, a little more character. The feel in the Ford’s grip is particularly pleasant if the direction is a little less consistent. The transitions of the DCT box are very fast and well managed.

Its mass, which is limited to 1,205 kg, is also suitable for itself, the Opel is 90 kg heavier. The Puma distills very good comfort, especially since our Titanium trim is mounted in 17 inches and doesn’t have the ST Line’s sport suspensions that are stiffer. But where our two rivals fall short is, urban consumption: in both cases it’s hard to get down to a single figure! Fortunately, on the road, the picture is more consistent with the economic claims of these small turbo engines spinning around 7 l/100 km (given for an average WLTP of about 6 l/100 km in both cases).

To live: the more mature cougar

As gorgeous as its exterior might suggest, the Mokka’s cabin benefits from XXL dual displays in our test version with a 12-inch Pure Panel instrumentation and a 10-inch infotainment system. But watch out: You need to add 1400€ to qualify. After a first impression, we were somewhat disappointed with both the sometimes simple and messy materials (especially on the glossy “piano black” plastic console), the definition and graphics of the displays, and certain points of the keys and ergonomics. too messy. When it comes to PSA’s aging and basic infotainment system, we already know its flaws. It’s simple and effective, despite its 8-inch screen, which seems incomparably smaller than the Ford Sync3 system.

 

The space issue in the car is if the two competitors are just as well received in the front seats, Ford takes the lead in the rear, with better access and much greater legroom for adults, but also for adults who can slide their feet under the trunk. front seats. They will feel more cramped and travel less comfortably in Opel. Finally, when we examine the luggage areas of our two competitors, Ford takes off thanks to a larger volume, using all available space under the floor With its “magic box” which adds 80 l volume (410 l total). Choosing compactness, Opel has to be content with the category average of 350 l.

 

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