Vauxhall and sister brand Opel will finally bring back the VXR/OPC badge with a sportier version of the Mokka-e.
The model is reportedly two years away, and while it might seem that they’re looking to offer a zero-emission alternative to the agile Volkswagen T-Roc R and Hyundai Kona N, it seems that more power isn’t on the menu.
“We will introduce a VXR Mokka in early 2022, and it will be with an electric engine”, Vauxhall’s managing director, Stephen Norman, told AutoExpress. “If you’re asking about top speed and acceleration, we have more than enough. But we can add performance in other ways.”
Related: Take A Comprehensive Tour Of The 2021 Opel / Vauxhall Mokka And Mokka-e
Thus, we should expect the same 134 HP (136 PS / 100 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque electric motor, powered by a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery that will offer a driving range of up to 200 miles (320 km). As for the revisions, these might include re-tuned suspension and steering, alongside the bigger bumpers, roof spoiler, new wheels, sports front seats, exclusive upholstery and special graphics for the infotainment system and digital dials.
Despite the modest revisions, Norman is confident that it will offer “a higher level of performance than anybody could expect”.
“I would say this is a performance car in the noble sense of the word – not silly supercar performance. This is not a vehicle that is going to be embarrassed by the ST range of one of our competitors.”
The Corsa-e electric supermini will also get the VXR/OPC treatment, and so will the Vivaro-e and the next-gen Astra. The hot hatch is expected to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain making around 300 HP, or about 50 HP more than the VW Golf GTE.
