Opel Drops a New Batch of Photos of the Mokka Crossover

We've already showed you the Mokka small crossover but today, Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall published a fresh set of photos including the first shots of the interior. We'll remind you that the Opel Mokka and the Buick Encore that was revealed at last month's Detroit Motor Show are one and the same with the only differences concerning the design of the front grille, the interior trims and the available engine choices.
Developed to compete against the Nissan Juke and the upcoming Ford EcoSport in the B-segment crossover market, the 4.28 meter long Mokka promises to be able to accommodate five adults in comfort.
Available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Mokka will offer European customers three engine options including a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated petrol with 115PS, a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol delivering 140PS and 200Nm of peak torque and a 1.7-liter turbo diesel with 130PS. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
The Mokka will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March and hit dealerships across Europe this fall.

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GMC Freshens up Acadia and Acadia Denali Crossovers for the 2013MY

At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show today, GMC lifted the wraps off its facelifted Acadia crossover that enters the new model year with a retouched exterior, higher quality materials inside and new safety features. The exterior redesign brings a new front end with a more prominent and upright grille with three-bars that was previewed by GMC's recent concept models like the Sierra HD All-Terrain, along with LED running lamps, and new headlamp and bumper designs.
At the back, we find new taillamps, a re-sculptured bumper, a wrap-around rear glass and a new rear spoiler, while GMC also introduced a fresh set of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.
According to GMC, the interior benefits from upgraded soft-touch materials, with French stitching and a red ambient light that flows across the dashboard.
The top-of-the-line Acadia Denali enhances the crossover's updated looks with bespoke exterior and interior parts such as the 20-inch machined wheels, the polished grille, interior wood trims and leather seating.
Another highlight is the introduction of the GMC’s new front center air bag system that deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger.
"While no restraint technology can address all body regions or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to work with the vehicle’s other air bags and safety belts to collectively deliver an even more comprehensive occupant restraint system," said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness.
Even though the Acadia continues for the 2013MY with the same 288-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that offers a towing capacity is 5,000 pounds (2268 kg), it gets a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with better shift response and improved drivability.
The updated Acadia and Acadia Denali will arrive in showrooms across the U.S. in late 2012.

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Opel Shows More of its 276HP Astra OPC Hot Hatch

After the new Mokka shots [pun intended], Opel's Geneva Motor Show presentation continues with some fresh pictures of the brand-new Astra GTC, which will be marketed as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in the United Kingdom. The most powerful (regular production) Astra ever is based on the sporty-looking Astra GTC three-door hatch and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine developing 280PS (276hp/206kW) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
A six-speed manual gearbox and a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential transfer power to the front wheels.
The OPC model also benefits from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications with changes to the suspension, steering and braking systems while it is also employs Opel's FlexRide adaptive dampers featuring a dedicated Sport- and OPC-drive mode.
Without going over the top, the Astra OPC looks the part with a new front bumper sporting a larger lower vent, side skirts, roof spoiler, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser and rectangular tail pipes, and delicious 20-inch alloy wheels.
Likewise, the interior boasts select upgrades such as the body-hugging sports seats trimmed in leather with contrasting stitching that also feature on the door panels, the flat-bottom steering wheel and gear shifter.
The new Astra OPC will compete against the Ford Focus ST, the VW Golf GTI/R (depending on pricing) and the Renault Megane RS.

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