Mallorca – while for some the island means fun, relaxation, sunshine and holidays, for others such as Lars Ripperger it means work – albeit work of the pleasant kind. At the International Media Launch of the new Opel Mokka, the responsible Product Manager was a popular interview partner for the over 300 media representatives attending the event. “Having been involved in the process of sharpening our urban trendsetter and making it even more desirable, it was nice to talk the media through the changes and explain the reasoning behind our decisions,” says the 30-year-old.

From the outside, the design of the Mokka has been subtly tweaked. Obviously, the new Opel Blitz takes centre stage in the middle of the Vizor, which visually integrates the new Blitz and the headlights into one visual element. As on the Frontera, the wing signature of the LED lights at the front and rear shines in a more modern interpretation with three ‘lighting blocks’ ensuring an uncompromising look.

A black design line running from the bonnet to the rear above the side windows now attracts attention, while high-gloss black claddings at the front, rear and wheel arches convey sporty elegance in the GS trim. A high-gloss black trim strip running across the lower door surfaces to the rear reflects the window design line in the side moulding and emphasises the stylish appearance.

“The Mokka has always been a head turning eyecatcher. And it was not easy to make the exterior even more desirable. In the end, we decided to maintain the stylish appearance and only make slight updates. The introduction of the new colours Tropikal Green and Kolibri Blue help the car shine in a fresh new light,” continues Ripperger.

Elsewhere, running the journalists through the changes to the interior was much more straightforward – because they are more significant. “The new multimedia and navigation infotainment system takes the new Mokka to the next level. We now offer a 10-inch digital driver information display and an equally large colour touchscreen as standard. The latter can be easily operated via widgets, just like a smartphone. And we are also making journeys more informative and entertaining with the addition of ChatGPT,” says the Product Manager.

While on Mallorca the journalists could put both the Mokka Electric and the Mokka Hybrid to the test. And the media representatives could do so on freshly resurfaced roads. “We went the extra mile to ensure the best possible experience for our guests,” jokes Ripperger. Obviously, the new surface along the entire test route was a welcome coincidence. Meanwhile the new set-up at the Mokka launch was anything but a coincidence. For the first time, there was no traditional press conference.

Instead, portrait-format video reels showcasing the highlights of the new Mokka were continuously played in the dining area. This was all backed up by the extensive press kit and the key facts handout. “The Mokka is our brand shaper. It attracts a younger audience, and we wanted to present it in a fresh, new way. Simultaneously, journalists appreciate the open, friendly and informal approach implemented across all our launches. This is something we successfully maintained,” explains Colin Yong, Group Manager International Product Communications.

The first results already show the success of the new approach. German outlet welt.de titled ‘Small but strong: Driving report: Opel Mokka’, La Repubblica from Italy added ‘Opel Mokka hybrid more character and fewer emissions’ and the headline on French website turbo.fr read ‘New restyled Opel Mokka: a more accomplished SUV’. And they prove that the hard work put in by Lars Ripperger and the team onsite is paying dividends.