Latest news with #GSLine
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Spruced-up facelift Opel Mokka officially priced
The Blitz's smallest SUV has benefited from a serious of updates inside and out, but not up front. Revealed towards the end of last year in Europe, Stellantis South Africa has released official price and spec details of the facelift Opel Mokka teased at its annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg last month. New outside A line-up once again consisting of two models, the updates to the first model that featured Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language comprises a new gloss black finish for the Opel Vizor grille and Opel blitz logo defined as the middle point or Opel Compass, removal of the various chrome accents, a restyled front bumper and a new Mokka nameplate script on the tailgate. ALSO READ: Opel unpacks facelift Mokka with series of simplified revisions Model-wise, the Edition, which replaces the Elegance, receives new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the carryover GS Line gets redesigned diamond-cut 18-inch alloys as well as a standard diamond black roof. New for both variants is a magnifying glass integrated into the LED headlights Opel says provides the same resolution as the Matrix IntelliLux diodes. Inside, both models now come equipped with the dual 10-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system as part of the Opel Pure Panel, the latter still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with improved software as well as embedded satellite navigation. A wireless smartphone charger, frameless electro-chromatic rear view mirror and folding side mirrors rounds the specifications changes. Similar to the newly launched Grandland and the incoming Frontera, the Mokka's cabin makes the switch from type-A to type-C USB ports, while also gaining the same steering wheel with standard heating function on both, plus a silver finish for the centre console. Now standard across all models is a new steering and the pair of 10-inch displays. Image: Opel For the Edition, the seats are trimmed in cloth and those of the GS Line in leather in addition to being equipped electric, heated and with a massaging function for the front chairs. On the safety side, the Edition and GS Line get front and rear parking sensors from the off, with a reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning included on the latter. Same powertrain Up front, no changes have taken place despite the roll-out of a mild-hybrid system on the Old Continent, as well as a bigger battery pack for the now renamed Mokka Electric. No changes have taken place to the rear facia. Image: Opel As such, the Stellantis stalwart 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine remains the sole options, with unchanged outputs of 96kW/230Nm. A toggle switch activated eight-speed automatic prevails as the sole available transmission option. Price Now on-sale, and soon to form part of Opel's three product SUV range below the Frontera and the Grandland, pricing for the Mokka continues to include a five-year/100 000 km warranty as plus a three-year/60 000 km service plan. Mokka 1.2T Edition – R519 900 Mokka 1.2T GS Line – R564 900 NOW READ: Sexy new Opel Mokka helps brand revive the fun factor
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Opel Mokka receives a nip and tuck for 2025: here's what you get for your money
The Opel Mokka, often seen as a 'boutique' crossover with plenty of European flair, has been given a nip and tuck for 2025. Newly launched in South Africa, the updated model is still available in two flavours, with the Edition model replacing the previous Elegance trim grade and the GS Line once again serving as the flagship. Expect to pay R519,900 for the 1.2T Edition and R564,900 for the 1.2T GS Line. It joins the recently launched new-generation Opel Grandland - read our driving impressions here. ALSO READ: Stellantis to raise its compact SUV game in SA with Opel Frontera, Citroen Basalt Power comes from the familiar 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which delivers 96kW and 230Nm through the front wheels, via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The slightly more powerful mild hybrid version, introduced overseas recently, does not appear to have been earmarked for the local market. What sets the new model apart? It's a subtle facelift, given that the second-generation Mokka was already quite striking in its own right. But for what it's worth, the model receives updated LED headlights, with a new magnifying glass that emulates the illumination of Matrix Intelli-Lux lights.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Frontera SA launch delayed to 2026: What to expect
Planned for unveiling this year, Opel has pushed the launch of the revived Frontera to next year as part of its expanded crossover/SUV range, which currently consists of the Mokka and all-new Grandland. What to expect According to The Citizen, unveiled last year as the replacement for the Crossland, the Frontera changes segment from being a body-on-frame SUV, previously sold locally as the Isuzu Frontier, to a unibody crossover with five or seven seats based on parent company Stellantis's Smart Car platform. Measuring 4 385mm long, 1 795mm wide and 1 635mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 675mm, the Frontera offers between 460 litres and 1 600 litres of boot space. Unlike the original, it is built in Slovakia rather than by Isuzu in Japan and comes without an all-wheel-drive option. Hybrid or EV Also without a manual gearbox option, the Frontera uses a mild-hybrid powertrain as standard. It pairs the well-known 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol engine in two states of tune – 74kW and 100kW – with a 21kW electric motor integrated into a newly developed six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The fully electric version, simply called the Frontera Electric, features a 44kWh battery pack producing 83kW and offers up to 305km of range on a single charge. A long-range version, claiming up to 400km, will arrive later. In its home market, two trims are available: Edition and GS Line. Notable features include the Opel Pure Panel setup with two 10-inch displays, up to 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, IntelliLux LED headlights, a six-speaker sound system and up to five USB-C ports. The GS Line adds dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-look steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, auto-folding electric mirrors, front parking sensors (the Edition only gets rear), a reverse camera and Blind Spot Monitoring. Standard safety features across both trims include tyre pressure monitoring, Hill Start Assist, cruise control, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist. For South Africa Speaking to The Citizen at Stellantis's Media Connect event at Montecasino last week, Opel Middle East and Africa head Falk Zimpel confirmed that a mid-2026 market debut for the Frontera has been approved, suggesting a launch around June or July. Priced from €23 900 (about R499 000) in Germany and from £23 995 (about R577 000) in the UK – where sister brand Vauxhall calls the Edition the Design – details on local pricing and spec will be announced closer to launch. However, it is expected to possibly forgo the mild-hybrid powertrain for the conventional 1.2-litre PureTech turbo developing 96kW/230Nm, as used in the Corsa. The electric variant is unlikely to join the South African range in the near future.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Grandland puts on a new suit with a point to prove
Rüsselsheim's flagship new SUV adopts a new look and a dramatically improved power, along with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine minus any electrical hardware. Grandland has adopted the same Bold and Pure styling language as the Mokka. Images: Charl Bosch Announced for South Africa last month just over a year after its global unveiling, Stellantis South Africa debuted the all-new second generation Opel Grandland on Wednesday (9 July) as not only the Blitz's flagship model, but also what it describes as a milestone vehicle for the local market. Second of three A ground-up new model which has become the first to premiere the STLA Medium platform locally, the second modern Opel SUV after the Mokka additionally incorporates the latest version of Rüsselsheim's Bold and Pure styling language, though with subtle difference from its smaller sibling. ALSO READ: Approved: All-new Opel Grandland on its way to South Africa Available initially as a single model unlike the outgoing's Grandland's three, the launch around Montecasino involved a comparatively short drive of less than 50 km to as far as Kyalami in what will become the effective third model in Opel's SUV range. Improved looks Aside from its design involving the newest take on the Opel Vizor grille and Compass in which the Blitz badge becomes the central 'directional' focus, the Grandland's switch in platform not only involves a more distinctive appearance, but gains on every dimensional front compared to its predecessor. At 4 650 mm long, 1 655 mm tall and 1 905 mm wide, the second generation measures 173 mm longer, 19 mm taller and 64 mm wider, though its wheelbase is unchanged at 2 784 mm. The knock-on effect is an increase in boot space from 514-litres to 550-litres, however, with the second row down, space decreases slightly from 1 652-litres to 1 641-litres. Rear design is more substantial and omits the Opel Blitz logo for an illuminated block letter badge. Slimmed down to the previous mid-range GS Line trim grade with more derivatives to follow, the Grandland's redesign also introduces Opel's latest Matrix LED IntelliLux headlights in addition to an illuminated LED light bar. The setup, officially called Pixel Matrix, involves each light cluster comprising 25 600 micro LEDs to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, helped by the forward facing camera system. In another first, the Blitz badge has been dropped on the tailgate and replaced by an illuminated block letter OPEL logo. Boot space with the rear seats up as improved from 514-litres to 550-litres. As part of the GS Line exterior, the Grandland comes standard with sportier bumpers and door sills, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and a spoiler integrated into the bootlid. Also streamlined are the choice of colours with five now being available; Grafik Grey, Copper Coin, Ice Floe White, Perla Nera Black and Deep Sea Green. Transformation inside Inside, the dated looking interior of the previous Grandland makes for Opel's so-called detox layout in which most of the most physical switchgear has been integrated into the new 16-inch infotainment display. Excluded are the major functions for the dual-zone climate control located separately in the form of touch-sensitive icons, plus three toggle switches to adjust the temperature. Interior has been radically uprated as per Opel's detox philosophy. Retained are a physical dial for the sound system, buttons for the hazard lights and door locks, and haptic switches on the new multi-function steering wheel. Aside from the infotainment being the biggest size-wise in any Opel production, the 10-inch instrument cluster has been recessed into the dashboard instead of being placed on top or on the steering column in a freestanding design. One of the biggest curiosities of the interior is the so-called Pixel Box integrated into the centre console. Down the centre, the floating console continues, now with the same toggle switch gear selector as the Mokka, but additionally with what Opel calls the Pixel Box. In essence, this involves a lidded cubby for the wireless smartphone charger and USB ports being fitted with an illuminated translucid glass 'face' supposed to safeguard one's phone from sliding off a conventional 'open' pad and around the cabin. Another addition is the lack of leather upholstery replaced by fabric made entirely out of recycled materials. Spec sheet In terms of specifications and beside the features already mentioned, the Grandland comes equipped with ambient lighting, an electric tailgate, push-button start and keyless entry, an eight-speaker sound system, Head-Up Display and rain sense wipers. Seats are trimmed in fabrics made from recycled materials. Included further are: heated and electrically folding mirrors; heated steering wheel; ventilated, heated and massaging electric front seats; refrigerated central storage area and armrest; heated rear seats; memory function for the driver's chair; integrated satellite navigation; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto On the safety and driver assistance side, the GS Line features a tyre pressure monitor, Interior Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Hill Start Assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. More punch for stalwart engine Up front, and despite its platform having been developed to accommodate electric powerplants, the Grandland continues to derive motivation from a turbocharged petrol engine, albeit not the hybrid units offered in Europe. Instead, the South African offering soldiers on with the long-serving 1.6-litre PureTech unit, but revised to now produce 134kW/300Nm instead of the previous 121kW/240Nm. Sending the amount of twist to the front wheels once again falls to a six-speed automatic gearbox augmented, finally, by paddle shifters. The drive Out on the drive, the Grandland felt comfortable and composed as, in addition to its new underpinnings, it also gets frequency selective dampers that adjusts depending on the scanned road surface. Along with roll bars and springs tuned specifically for it and not shared with its fellow STLA Medium siblings, the Peugeot 3008, 5008, Citroën C5 Aircross and Jeep Compass, the electric power steering offers more feedback than before, while three driving modes are still offered; Eco, Normal and Sport. Slim 10-inch instrument cluster has been recessed into the dashboard. Tipping the scales at a fraction over 1.8-tonnes, the updates to the Grandland's engine only becomes apparent higher-up the rev range. Feeling somewhat lethargic low-down, the engine starts to come on song at the revs climb, to the point of pulling strong with an almost relentless pull. The 'box itself, though, is largely slick and didn't require intervention of the paddle shifters sorely missed on the previous generation. Conclusion While an in-depth review will only emerge once on test, the initial impression of the new Opel Grandland is impressive considering what it offers. At R789 900, it is placed squarely at legacy rivals from Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford, Kia, Mazda and Hyundai, but unsurprisingly well up on the Chinese alternatives from Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Chery. A price that still comes with significant value, plus a five-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan, it remains to be seen though whether it would resonate the same with buyers who come signing on the dotted line, never mind the stigma of being labelled as nothing but 'a rebadged Peugeot'. NOW READ: Early debut: Electrically assisted all-new Opel Grandland revealed
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Wait over: Opel finally puts price on limited run Corsa Irmscher
Irmscher name returns for the first time since 2004, but will be restricted to 40 units without any added power or torque. Having made two public appearances, the most recent being at the Simola Hillclimb in April, Opel has finally divulged complete details of the limited edition Corsa Irmscher. Extensively made reference to on the Blitz's website since its surprise showing at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year, the Irmscher largely rates as an appearance package based on the flagship Corsa GS Line without any additional power or torque. Named after the tuning house long associated with the Rüsselsheim's marque, the Irmscher comes as a first for the Corsa and for South Africa since the limited edition Astra Irmscher sold between 2003 and 2004. The fourth Irmscher model to be marketed locally after the Astra and before that, the Rekord and Kadett, the model's aesthetics extra over the GS Line comprises gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, a front lip spoiler, Irmscher side sills, an imitation rear diffuser, bootlid spoiler and Irmscher badges. Sitting 30 mm closer to the ground than the GS Line, the Irmscher does, however, loose the fluorescent yellow decals of the unit raced at Simola, though it does retain the gloss black lower air intake and standard LED headlights. Available in three colours, of which no details bar the contrasting of a black roof was revealed, the Irmscher's interior additions are more minor by being inclusive of Jet Black cloth and imitation leather-trimmed seats and Irmscher branded floor mats. Based on the GS Line means the Irmscher carries over the same specification items, namely 10-inch infotainment system and seven-inch digital instrument cluster, the six-speaker sound system, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, automatic air-conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain sense wipers and cruise control. Taking care of safety is a 180-degree reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Electronic Stability Control and six airbags. Underneath, and as with the forebearers, the 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine develops an unchanged 96kW/230Nm channelled to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. The claimed top speed is 208 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 L/100 km. Price Now available, but restricted to 40 units, the Corsa Irmscher's price tag includes a five-year/100 000 km warranty plus a three-year/45 000 km service plan. Corsa 1.2T Lite – R379 500 Corsa 1.2T Edition AT – R398 500 Corsa 1.2T GS Line AT – R469 500 Corsa Irmscher – R534 900 ALSO READ: It is coming: Irmscher treated Opel Corsa becoming reality soon
