Features / 28 April 2022 / Albert du Toit

Entry-level Opel Mokka vs mid-range VW T-Cross – A tough choice

Opel recently released its Mokka line-up in South Africa at a starting price of R469,900.

The crossover measures a smidge longer than four metres and has a handsome design.

Another popular crossover that meets these requirements is the VW T-Cross, which in Highline R-Line guise sells for R469,100.

We compare these crossovers below to see what difference R800 makes.

Features

The new Opel Mokka and VW T-Cross compete in the teeming crossover segment and offer loads of equipment in an attempt to stand out.

As standard, owners can expect automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, all-round LED lights, automatic headlamps, ambient lighting, cruise control, leather multifunction steering wheels, and a touchscreen infotainment system with support for smartphone replication.

The central screen on the VW measures 8 inches and is accompanied by a smaller, multi-information display in the instrument cluster and two analogue dials.

This is compared to the Opel’s 7-inch middle display and 7-inch digital cluster, the latter of which is a R9,700 extra on the T-Cross.

The Mokka strengthens its lead by further bringing heated front seats, hill-start assist, blind-spot detection, speed-sign recognition, lane keep assist, ABS with forward brake assist, driver attention alert, and six airbags.

The T-Cross also gives its buyers driver fatigue detection, hill-hold assist, ABS with brake assist, and six airbags – in addition to sports seats and all-round parking sensors, which are features that aren’t available on any Mokka.

Thanks to the R-Line styling kit the VW sits on stylish 18-inch “Nevada” wheels, too, although the Opel’s 17-inch alloys are just as pleasant to look at.

Power

Motivating the new Opel Mokka is a 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engine that generates 96kW and 230Nm, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This VW T-Cross, on the other hand, makes do with a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol with 85kW and 200Nm on tap, mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch auto-box.

The Mokka clears 100km/h in 9.2 seconds and boasts a 200km/h top speed, while the T-Cross achieves a slower 10.2 seconds and 193km/h.

However, the VW comes back with a better combined fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km – versus the Opel’s 6.1l/100km – as well as larger dimensions.

The 377-litre boot and 185mm of ground clearance should make the VW the slightly more practical crossover when compared to the Opel’s 310 litres and 160mm.

If this VW didn’t have the R-Line kit, it also would’ve towed up to 1,100kg – but the optional tow hook that enables it to do this can not be fitted if the R-Line pack is installed.

The Opel then tows a maximum of 600kg regardless of specification.