Opel Mokka and Cascada 2013 chances

The sales volume of the Mokka mini-SUV and the flagship flash of the Cascada cabrio should be the next significant additions to the fledgling Opel lineup in Australia.

Having just launched the high-performance OPC Astra, Insignia and Corsa this week, the Mokka and Cascada are both decent chances to grace

Opel’s growing Australian dealer lineup before the end of 2013.

Opel Australia is confident enough about its prospects for the Cascada, which launches at the Geneva auto show in March, to include local motoring media in the global drive program around the same time.

“I am very keen for Cascada and I have raised my hand,” confirmed Opel Australia managing director Bill Mott. “I am optimistic I will get an approval but I don’t have it yet.

“I would like to get it for the Aussie summer but I will take it when I can get it.”

If – or more likely when – it comes to Australia, it seems likely the Cascada will be powered by a 1.6-ltre turbo-petrol engine producing 125kW and 280Nm, although there are three other powertrain choices on offer.

Pricing has been mooted around the $60,000 mark, which sounds high until you realise this is a big 4.7m four-seater that rides on a hybrid platform derived from Insignia and Astra.

“I am optimistic we can get it at a pretty competitive price,” said Mr Mott. “Cascada won’t be massive volume, but I think it will be an image car that gains interest for the brand and lots of visibility. You just can’t help but notice Cabrios and this one stands out.”

Mr Mott was as bullish about Mokka, all but confirming the pint-sized Nissan Juke rivals had gained the green light for Australia, but admitting timing was an issue because of limited supply from the General Motors plant in Korea where it is being built alongside the Chevrolet/Holden Trax.

“We do have a business case put together for that car and now very honestly it is an issue about allocation, about cars to the country based on the very high demand that we have got.

“I’d like to see it this year.”

With the SUV market booming, the Mokka would potentially provide substantial sales boost for Opel in Australia. Since launching last September,
General Motor’s German division has averaged 130 sales per month here.

“Why wouldn’t I want it?” asked Mr Mott. “SUVs are a third of the market here so if you don’t have an SUV you’re out of the market. That makes me want Mokka.”

Both the Mokka and Trax are on-sale in Europe, while the Trax goes on-sale here in the third quarter of 2013.

“The car is having huge success in Europe, they have 80,000 orders,” Mr Mott said. “So my concern is more allocation and when we can get the vehicle. I hate to say I wish my European colleagues limited success but I hope they leave a few for us.”

While the Trax and Mokka ride on the same platform and can be had with the same choice of petrol and turbo-diesel engine choices and front or all-wheel drive, Mr Mott was at pains to stress there was significant technical differentiation between the two five-doors.

“This is a vehicle where Opel engineering has been involved from the very start so it is going to have a unique Opel chassis, it will have Opel powertrains, it will have all of the Opel innovations you have seen before in other Opel car lines,” he said.

“So it is going to be a real Opel … I have no doubt it will be a significantly different, look, feel and driving experience to a Chevrolet-Holden product.”
Holden is expected to sell the Trax only as a front-wheel drive.

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