Any Aucklander will tell you asking for an ICE Mokka is something you request in the summertime, unless you are talking Opel SUVs.

And if you are talking Opel SUVs, you might be asking why you would want a petrol-powered SUV when there is such an interesting electric version available?

Your reasons are your own, but one thing we can tell you, if the electric version was not available, we would still be quite comfortable recommending the regular ICE Mokka to any business looking for something, sleek, chic and easy to drive.

The ICE Mokka attracts as much attention as its electric twin, suggesting to me that the powerplant is only a small part of its appeal. What most attracts the eye of the passers-by is the dynamic shape of the Opel, and not just from the front, back or side, it Is apparently, an all-over look.

I think they’re right. This SUV photographs well from all angles, and that is quite a trick. Of course, from certain angles, there are design cues which Opel designers have paid particular attention to, most notably at the front where the signature VIZOR is a core design element.

This creates a ‘one piece’ face for the Mokka bracketed with slimline Intellilux lights and distinctive DLRs.

The character lines extend down the sides of the vehicle, lifting towards the rear to give a sense of forward motion and then squaring off at the back to deliver a complete and cohesive exterior.

Inside, the Mokka is Opel distinctive with the 12-inch digital Pure Panel display taking pride of place, but following a driver-centric design for the cockpit in general. In saying this, left seat occupants are treated to extensive legroom and clever integration of the dashboard layout keeps the cabin together.

A word on the seats as these are quite unlike most seats in this vehicle class, providing excellent support and strong side bolster. The seats – a cloth and leather combination – are far sportier than the SUV itself and are heated, another surprise and delight feature.

Sporty styling and heating also applies to flat bottomed leather steering wheel and aluminium sports styled pedals.  

Its not all about the cosmetics though. The Mokka delivers a top-class drive with suspension that feels like it’s been made for New Zealand’s third world country roads.

The suspension is firm but smooth and rather than bouncing down the road trying to recover from uneven surfaces it tackles potholes and irregularities once and then moves right along, solidly and sure-footedly.

This is a characteristic of well set up European vehicles – usually ones carrying much larger price tags than does the Mokka.    

And then there are the Mokka’s physical dimensions. As inner cities become less vehicle friendly, there is still a need for vehicles which can operate safely and effectively within the confines of ever shrinking car parks.

The Mokka falls neatly into this category, though in saying that, the Mokka has the chops to do longer out of town trips and really strut its stuff when it comes to fuel efficient motoring. Opel claims a 5.7-litre fuel figure and 5.8 was our top score, though we could have moderated our driving somewhat.

Although the Mokka features the 1.2-litre triple, it seems to lose some of its audible aggression – the result of Euro sound deadening we assume, but this serves to accentuate the point that the Mokka is a compact SUV meant for the discerning and is extremely well put together.

Mokka is endowed with an extremely comprehensive safety spec’ level and there is an entry Mokka available which means some of the goodies are a little downscaled – notably cruise control and autonomous lane keeping – but overall, the expected systems and features we have come to expect are all in place.

Opel’s compact SUV is not going to set the world on fire with its performance, but it does breathe fresh air into a very crowded and bordering on mediocre market segment and, given the way the brand is positioned and is marketing itself, the Mokka is a brilliant brand ambassador.

For a fleet buyer looking to make their organisation standout with a safe, solid SUV which drivers are going to consider a positive perk, the Mokka ICE is not only worth considering, it’s worth leasing/owning.