Automotive

Opel Mokka SUV integrates bike rack into the bumper

Opel Mokka SUV integrates bike rack into the bumper
Opel's new Mokka crossover has an available FlexFix bicycle carrier built into its bumper, which holds up to three bikes (© GM Company)
Opel's new Mokka crossover has an available FlexFix bicycle carrier built into its bumper, which holds up to three bikes (© GM Company)
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The bikes tilt out of the way when you need to get into the hatch (© GM Company)
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The bikes tilt out of the way when you need to get into the hatch (© GM Company)
Opel's new Mokka crossover has an available FlexFix bicycle carrier built into its bumper, which holds up to three bikes (© GM Company)
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Opel's new Mokka crossover has an available FlexFix bicycle carrier built into its bumper, which holds up to three bikes (© GM Company)
If you're not hauling bikes, the FlexFix slides seamlessly into the rear bumper (© GM Company)
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If you're not hauling bikes, the FlexFix slides seamlessly into the rear bumper (© GM Company)
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In a world where every automaker has or wants to have at least one crossover or SUV, sometimes they have to do something a little extra to set their model apart from the pack. Bentley's EXP 9 F does it with its signature interior; Lamborghini's Urus concept does it with its supercar styling and hot red paint; and Opel does it with an innovative accessory - a bike carrier that's integrated into the bumper. Opel claims it's the only car maker to offer a fully integrated bicycle carrier that is always on board.

Making the logical leap that crossover owners are likely to be cyclists or mountain bikers, Opel offers a FlexFix bicycle carrier on the rear bumper of its Mokka crossover. Essentially a slide-out bike shelf, the system carries a bicycle without any extra racks or hardware. When not in use, it slides right back into the body of the car so you're not towing around a big, rattling empty rack.

Opel has offered the FlexFix for several years, and the new Mokka will get the second generation version of the system. It's been reinforced for an extra 10 kg (22 lbs) of bike weight. An available extension allows the FlexFix to carry three bikes up to 60 kg (132 lbs). The system tilts out of the way so you can open the tailgate even when fully loaded up with bikes. It also locks your bicycles, allowing you to confidently leave your car without worrying about theft.

The bikes tilt out of the way when you need to get into the hatch (© GM Company)
The bikes tilt out of the way when you need to get into the hatch (© GM Company)

The FlexFix isn't exactly cheap when compared to other rack systems. Opel lists German pricing at €590 (US$763) for the main unit and €190 ($245) for the extension. If you like an integrated system that is always available but tucked out of sight when not in use, it might be a worthy investment, though.

Variations of the FlexFix are offered on several other Opel models, including the Astra Sports Tourer and Zafira Tourer. If the FlexFix proves popular, perhaps Opel parent company GM will bring the offering to other brands and markets.

The pictures don't tell the story of how the FlexFix slides into the bumper, but the video below does.

Source: Opel

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6 comments
6 comments
Keith Reeder
We could buy a Vauxhall Corsa in the UK with the same built-in bike rack four years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4HaKthwcs
Conny Söre
Singletasker? I think I would still prefer a towing hook and a €30 general purpose bikerack. The towing hook could do lots of other stuff and the bikerack could easily be removed if i need the space or want to recuce weight (maybe not a priority in a suv). And for those with a bit more juvenile humour Mokka sure resembles the Swedish word 'mocka' which has two meanings. As a noun its a short form of cowpat and as a verb it means the labour of removing most kind of animal excrement from the barn. Suppose that model will have another name here. :-)
MasterG
I like how hard this cowpat is to remove! I only clicked this article cos it reminded me of mocking someone "you so stupid that you still think, oh wait you dont think" kind of mocking. IS opel mocking us?
Richardf
A multipurpose rack could for example allow a farmer to cut the grass in their field or salt up your own road in winter, re gravel etc etc. Why build for just one function
Slowburn Fan
wonder if the bikes stay fixed when going over sweet jumps
Wesley Baker
As Keith Reeder said this feature has already been available in Europe on the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. Guys what you have to realise is this car is also based on the Corsa so its aimed squarely at rivalling the Nissan Juke which itself is maybe a bit smaller than a Ford Focus.
The Mokka as a compact crossover will virtually never see any mud. For a uni project the dealer told us the main disadvantage of the bike rack is the lack of space for a spare wheel. In Europe you'd probably buy the bigger Chevy/Opel/Vauxhall SUV (Captiva etc) if you really wanted a GM car needed it for those purposes.