The Opel Mokka X 1.6 ecoFLEX (115 hp) Start/Stop was a front-wheel-drive subcompact SUV produced from May 2016 to March 2018. It represented a key variant within the broader Mokka X range (itself a refresh of the original Mokka), positioned as an entry-level offering focused on fuel efficiency and affordability. The Mokka X, built on the GM Gamma platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform internally), aimed to compete in the rapidly growing European B-segment SUV market, offering a more stylish and practical alternative to traditional hatchbacks. This particular 1.6L engine and five-speed manual transmission combination was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing lower running costs over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Mokka |
| Generation | Mokka X |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 ecoFLEX (115 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Start of production | May, 2016 |
| End of production | March, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8-8.5 l/100 km (26.7 – 27.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8-5.5 l/100 km (40.6 – 42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9-6.6 l/100 km (34.1 – 35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 159-153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16XER |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1280 kg (2821.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1789 kg (3944.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 509 kg (1122.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 356 l (12.57 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1372 l (48.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 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 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.) |
| Front overhang | 942 mm (37.09 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 778 mm (30.63 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 158 mm (6.22 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17; 215/55 R18; 225/45 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 6.5J x 17; 7J x 18; 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Mokka X 1.6 ecoFLEX utilized the Opel/Vauxhall B16XER engine, a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was part of Opel’s ‘ecoFLEX’ range, signifying a focus on fuel efficiency. It featured multi-point fuel injection and a relatively modest compression ratio of 10.8:1. The engine produced 115 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The Start/Stop system, standard on this variant, automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle came to a halt, further improving fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. While not a particularly sophisticated powertrain, it was designed for reliability and ease of maintenance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission combination in the Mokka X delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 12.5 seconds. The engine felt somewhat strained when accelerating hard, particularly when fully loaded. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than outright speed, meaning the engine often needed to be revved to maintain momentum. Compared to higher-output versions of the Mokka X, such as those equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, this variant felt noticeably slower. However, the manual transmission provided drivers with more control over the engine’s power delivery than the optional automatic transmission available on other trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 ecoFLEX Start/Stop typically represented the entry-level trim for the Mokka X. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, electric front windows, and ABS brakes. Safety features such as stability control and multiple airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a relatively simple design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. The focus was on providing a functional and affordable SUV package.
Chassis & Braking
The Mokka X 1.6 ecoFLEX featured a standard front-wheel-drive configuration with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, providing a reasonably smooth ride on most road surfaces. The torsion beam rear suspension, while cost-effective, did limit the vehicle’s handling capabilities compared to more sophisticated independent rear suspension setups found on higher-spec Mokka X models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mokka X 1.6 ecoFLEX was generally well-received as an affordable and fuel-efficient option in the subcompact SUV segment. Critics praised its practicality and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the more powerful turbocharged engines available in the Mokka X range, the 1.6-liter engine offered significantly lower fuel economy and slower acceleration. However, it was also less expensive to purchase and maintain. Its main competitors included the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, and Nissan Juke.
Legacy
The Opel Mokka X 1.6 ecoFLEX (115 hp) Start/Stop has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain in the used car market. The B16XER engine is known for its durability, and the five-speed manual transmission is simple and robust. Common issues are generally limited to routine maintenance items such as spark plugs, air filters, and oil changes. Today, these vehicles represent an affordable entry point into the subcompact SUV segment, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and economical vehicle for urban driving. While not a performance standout, its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs continue to make it a viable option in the used car market.
