With typical precision, the engineers have been putting the finishing touches to the next-generation bestseller. They are currently setting up the new car for optimum acoustic comfort in the interior, excellent driving safety at high speeds and Vauxhall-typical steering and pedal feel. Since February, the Vauxhall experts for chassis, powertrain, electronics and lighting have been using the Arctic winter for the tuning of chassis and assistance systems on frozen lakes and narrow country roads in Swedish Lapland.
NextGen
The next Vauxhall Mokka generation is a completely new design based on the company's highly efficient CMP multi-energy platform (Common Modular Platform). This modular platform offers maximum flexibility in vehicle development. The CMP also allows the use of purely battery-electric drive as well as internal combustion engines. The customer has the choice. Thanks to the use of high-strength steels, the vehicle weight is low and the body stability is high. The new Mokka weighs up to 120 kilograms less than the previous model – with almost the same wheelbase and tyre sizes. With the electric Mokka-e, the batteries are installed deep in the vehicle floor, which lowers the centre of gravity and at the same time increases torsional rigidity by a further 30 per cent – excellent prerequisites for dynamic driving. Customers can look forward to a very agile second-generation Mokka, which will be available in dealerships from early 2021. Until then, the testing continues at full speed.
Testing, Fine-tuning At Arctic Circle
Engineer Gunnar Nees never tires of turning lap after lap on ice. He regularly stops for few minutes, reaches for the laptop, reads out measured values, and logs every mile covered. In the vast Arctic wilderness, it is still freezing cold in March. Exactly the right conditions for orchestrating the harmony between ABS, ESP, assistance systems and the rest of the new chassis.
The development cars are still hiding behind a green and black camouflage, with 3D-like graphics that blur the vehicle’s contours. The engineer behind the steering wheel has come to the far north to set up the chassis. Like every Vauxhall, the new Mokka must respond precisely to steering inputs and give good feedback, be comfortable and at the same time have a firm enough ride. A Vauxhall must not display uncontrolled body movements, for example, when the vehicle is driving over a large bump at medium speed. The Vauxhall philosophy calls for safe and relaxing driving on the motorway. A Vauxhall must remain easily controllable in all situations and be fun to drive at the same time.
These characteristics must be present under all weather conditions everywhere – at the icy Arctic Circle as well as in high summer at the Mediterranean. However, nothing should change in terms of precise handling and consistently good-natured driving behaviour. Parts, components and systems are continuously fine-tuned by the company engineers: dampers, springs, steering. In addition, the control software is adapted: for ideal pedal feel when accelerating and braking, for the right amount of steering power assistance and for the interaction between all assistance systems.
High-speed Driving
Back in Germany the same test engineer pilots the Mokka-prototype on home ground at the Rodgau-Dudenhofen Test Centre. Karsten Bohle, Project Coordinator, Second-generation Mokka, joins Gunnar Nees.
“We are all looking forward to seeing the new Mokka on the road in customer’s hands. The test drives are running like clockwork, also because our new baby, with its low weight and compact external dimensions, reacts well to adjustments. Handling and comfort are super. The Mokka is a joy to drive; the development work has been great fun,” said Bohle.
The new Mokka is ready to take its final exams at the Test Centre. While shaken, ride comfort and interior acoustics must remain unstirred – not even by the torture track. Here, not far from the Opel-Vauxhall base in Rüsselsheim, the tracks are replicas of the trickiest road surfaces in Europe. The engineers have tested here for decades and built up a huge wealth of experience. They repeatedly adjust springs and dampers, the balance between responsiveness and sporty precision continuously improved. The new car features particularly low road noise for optimum acoustic comfort, which the high-quality materials in the interior further increase. Squeaks and rattles are taboo.
The steering and suspension get their Vauxhall ‘feel’ on the Dudenhofen handling course. Two tie rods at the McPherson strut turrets are standard equipment; they provide further stiffness at the front end, adding a touch more precision and agility. The new car turns into corners eagerly, is easy to handle at the limit and the assistance systems function perfectly. Then comes the ultimate discipline – the high-speed oval with its steep banking, followed by the long straight. This test demands rock-solid stability at all speeds. In real life, it also results in a huge safety benefit when taking avoidance manoeuvres at lower speeds. The engineers only award their seal of approval for the autobahn when they return satisfied from the high-speed oval. The new Mokka has already passed this test with flying colours. However, testing, testing and yet more testing will continue until the summer. When the Mokka has achieved production readiness, cars will start rolling off the assembly line at the end of the year. (MT)
Hyundai Exter Gets New Pro Pack, New Colour Options & Features
- By MT Bureau
- August 22, 2025
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced ‘PRO’ Pack in its popular compact SUV the Hyundai Exter at starting price of INR 798,390 (ex-showroom).
The new Pro pack features wheel arch cladding, side sill garnish, all-new Titan Grey Matte colour and a Dashcam to make the SUV more safer.
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At HMIL, we are continuously evolving our product offerings to resonate with the aspirations of today's young and progressive customers. The introduction of PRO Pack in Hyundai EXTER is a step further in this direction, combining bold styling, advanced technology and strong safety to create a truly distinctive value proposition. With its refreshed appeal, the PRO Pack in Hyundai EXTER strengthens our commitment to redefining customer delight and making every drive a PRO experience."
MOL, Suzuki Motor Corporation And TradeWaltz Join Forces To Decarbonise Automobile Trade Between India & Africa
- By MT Bureau
- August 22, 2025
MOL, Suzuki Motor Corporation and TradeWaltz have announced a new partnership to streamline and decarbonise the automobile trade between India and Africa. The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
This collaboration aims to address current challenges in the trade by leveraging digital solutions and enhancing efficiency. The companies will focus on identifying problems in the supply chain and developing solutions for smoother transportation. A key part of the initiative is also promoting decarbonisation efforts within the logistics process.
The partnership aligns with the ‘Japan-India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa,’ launched in February 2025. By combining their individual strengths, MOL, Suzuki and TradeWaltz hope to contribute to the economic development of both India and Africa. The companies stated that this MU is the first step toward building a more robust and interconnected automobile supply chain between these two rapidly growing markets.
Mahindra To Increase Production Of BE 6 Batman Limited Edition To 999 On Back Of High Demand
- By MT Bureau
- August 21, 2025
Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a significant increase in the production of its highly anticipated its limited BE 6 Batman Edition, raising the total number of units available from 300 to 999. The decision comes in response to what the company described as an ‘extraordinary outpouring of enthusiasm’ from fans and collectors.
Initially envisioned as a small, limited run, the BE 6 Batman Edition has generated immense excitement, particularly among younger fans of the iconic superhero. The company stated that the overwhelming demand made it clear that fans wanted more, and the production increase aims to meet this desire while still maintaining the vehicle's exclusive nature.
Bookings for the special edition SUV will open on 23 August 2025, at 11 am, with deliveries slated to begin on 20 September 2025, which is International Batman Day. Customers interested in securing a vehicle can pre-register starting 21 August at 5 pm, by visiting the official Mahindra website. This pre-booking process allows for a faster checkout once reservations officially begin.
Each of the 999 vehicles will feature a unique ‘badge number’ from 001 to 999, which customers can select after their booking is confirmed. Mahindra highlighted that this approach focuses on celebrating the individual's connection to the brand and the hero, rather than just the vehicle's exclusivity.
The company hinted at a potential collaboration with other limited-edition models in 2026, building on the success of this partnership.
JSW MG Motor India Inaugurates New 3S Dealership In Kerala
- By MT Bureau
- August 20, 2025
JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has inaugurated its new 3S showroom in Muvattupuzha, Kerala.
The new facility offers sales, service and spare parts, where customers can access an immersive experience through a digital configurator for personalised vehicle selection and benefit from an in-house EV charging station.
Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Kerala, a key market that continues to show robust growth, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. To meet the rising demand from these regions, our newly launched showroom in Muvattupuzha is set to play a pivotal role in bringing MG’s cutting-edge, technology-driven vehicles closer to our customers. This strategic expansion not only enhances accessibility but also underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering a seamless sales and aftersales experience, with a customer-first approach at its core.”
Nirav Modi, Dealer Principal, MG Muvattupuzha, said, “We are proud to collaborate with JSW MG Motor India to bring the brand closer to car buyers in Muvattupuzha. With MG’s future-ready product portfolio, a strong focus on customer-centricity, and our proven expertise in sales and aftersales services, we are confident in delivering a premium ownership experience to customers across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in making innovative mobility solutions more accessible and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence.”
With a network of over 543 sales and aftersales touchpoints across 270 cities, JSW MG Motor India’s network now covers 90 percent of India’s geographical footprint.
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