The small SUV was launched in European in October of 2012 after the world premiere in Geneva that same year. The name Mokka is inspired by the coffee drink mix of the same name. The characteristics of the car are supposed to stimulate the driver just like the beverage does. In North America and China the car is sold under the name Buick Encore. Mokka is placed just after the Antara in the Opel range of models.