The Opel Mokka X 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo (120 hp) Start/Stop was a front-wheel-drive subcompact SUV produced from June 2018 to March 2019. It represented a key iteration within the second generation of the Mokka line (internally designated as the Mokka X), offering a balance between fuel efficiency and reasonable performance for the European market. This variant occupied a mid-range position in the Mokka X lineup, slotting between the base 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and the more powerful 1.4-liter turbo with all-wheel drive. The “Start/Stop” system was a key feature aimed at improving fuel economy in urban driving conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Mokka |
| Generation | Mokka X |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo (120 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Start of production | June, 2018 |
| End of production | March, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1-8.2 l/100 km (29 – 28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6-5.7 l/100 km (42 – 41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5-6.6 l/100 km (36.2 – 35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 148-151 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4800-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D14NEL |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.35 l (7.77 US qt | 6.47 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1394 kg (3073.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1828 kg (4030.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 434 kg (956.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 356 l (12.57 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1372 l (48.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4275 mm (168.31 in.) |
| Width | 1781 mm (70.12 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1802 mm (70.94 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1658 mm (65.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2555 mm (100.59 in.) |
| Front track | 1541 mm (60.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 158 mm (6.22 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17; 215/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Mokka X 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo utilized the D14NEL engine code, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was part of Opel’s ECOTEC family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. It featured multi-point fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The turbocharger helped to mitigate turbo lag and provide a broader torque curve. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on standard gasoline. The Start/Stop system automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle came to a halt, such as at traffic lights, and restarted it when the driver released the brake pedal, contributing to fuel savings in city driving. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Driving Characteristics
The 120 hp output, coupled with 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 10.4 seconds, and the top speed was 114.95 mph. The six-speed manual transmission was geared to prioritize fuel economy, meaning that the engine often needed to be revved to access its peak power. Compared to the higher-output 1.4-liter turbo (152 hp) or the diesel options, this variant felt less responsive, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the lighter engine weight compared to the diesel contributed to slightly more agile handling. The gear ratios were relatively long, contributing to good highway cruising but requiring more frequent downshifts on winding roads.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Mokka X 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, power windows and mirrors, and basic safety features like ABS and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered options such as alloy wheels, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and more advanced infotainment features. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with the option of leather upgrades. Dashboard materials were generally durable but not luxurious, reflecting the vehicle’s price point. The “X” designation in Mokka X indicated a slightly more rugged appearance package with some plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills.
Chassis & Braking
The Mokka X featured a typical front-wheel-drive chassis configuration with MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam setup in the rear. The torsion beam was a cost-effective solution for the rear suspension, prioritizing space efficiency over outright handling performance. Brakes consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride over uneven surfaces. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mokka X 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo was generally well-received as a practical and affordable subcompact SUV. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but some found the engine to be underpowered, especially when fully loaded. Compared to the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated version, the 1.4 turbo offered a noticeable improvement in performance. However, the diesel variants provided superior fuel economy and torque. The Mokka X competed with other popular subcompact SUVs like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008.
Legacy
The D14NEL engine, while not known for being exceptionally durable, proved to be reasonably reliable with regular maintenance. Common issues included occasional turbocharger problems and oil leaks. The Mokka X 1.4 ECOTEC Turbo remains a relatively affordable option on the used car market. Its fuel efficiency and practicality make it a suitable choice for urban commuters and small families. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for turbocharger issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained.
