[Update: The story was updated after we discovered that the Opel Mokka was already available with the new engine since the beginning of 2023]
A significant number of models from Stellantis‘ extensive brand portfolio feature the 1.2 PureTech gasoline engine, which recently debuted in a more powerful and efficient mild-hybrid form in the Peugeot 3008 / 5008. A new version of the turbocharged three-cylinder unit has also been introduced as part of the 2023 model year updates for the Opel and Vauxhall Mokka. This new version brings the same increase in power as the mild-hybrid variant, but without featuring electrification technology.
The 1.2-liter Turbo petrol unit is rated at 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. For now, it is exclusively mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the front wheels. According to the automaker, the new 3-pot reduces CO2 emissions from 141 g/km to 125 g/km, while retaining the same performance. More specifically, the Mokka accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 9.1 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h), with a WLTP fuel consumption of 51.4 mpg (5.5 lt/100km).
Read: Opel / Vauxhall Mokka Electric Updated With More Power And A 252-Mile Range
The new 1.2 Turbo unit matches the output and torque figures of the mild-hybrid 1.2 PureTech 48V. However, it falls short in comparison to the latter, which has an integrated electric motor producing up to 28 hp (21kW / 28PS) and 55 Nm (40.5 lb-ft) of torque. The 1.2 PureTech 48V also boasts a more sophisticated six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (e-DSC6) and a 48V battery with a gross capacity of 898 Wh (432 Wh usable), which provides additional power and efficiency benefits
Reading between the lines, Stellantis could use the more powerful version of the gasoline engine in cheaper manual vehicles of different brands (Opel, Citroen, Peugeot, DS, Fiat, Jeep), reserving the more efficient and more expensive mild-hybrid setup for the automatics.
Interestingly, the old 1.2-litre unit is still available in the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka in both power outputs – 99 HP (74 kW / 100 PS) with the six-speed manual and 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) with the eight-speed auto. The Vauxhall Corsa that was also updated for 2023 with more equipment, didn’t get the new engine that could be reserved for the upcoming facelift.
Besides the mechanical upgrades, the Vauxhall Mokka Ultimate gets black exterior trim replacing all the chrome of the previous iteration. Those in search of a darker theme will prefer the – new for 2023 – Mokka Black edition which comes painted in either Vulcan Grey or Carbon Black, combined with a black roof, black detailing, tinted windows, and high-gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels. The Black edition is based on the flagship GS, so it gets generous equipment.
Speaking of flagship and sporty-looking trims, another change for this year is that the GS Line of all Vauxhall models has been renamed to GS. It remains to be seen if the aforementioned updates will be mirrored on the Opel-badged models as well.
