Vauxhall Mokka X

MOKKA X – IT’S YOUR LIFE, GO DRIVE IT

A small, trendy little Crossover model can also be a practical choice. If you doubt that, take a drive in Vauxhall's Mokka X. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Review

Vauxhall's Mokka X is the first model to introduce the 'X' segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles. As before, it's versatile, capable and practical, plus now, it's better looking and comes with upgraded connectivity, a nicer cabin and more efficient, quieter diesel engines.

Background

Vauxhall's Mokka has done good business for the Griffin brand in its growing compact Crossover segment. Over half a million examples of this Korean built contender have found homes across Europe since its original launch in 2013. But time moves on and so has the competition. This car faces a much stronger challenge now than it did at its original launch. Hence the introduction of the revised Mokka X model range we're going to look at here.

The changes aren't too far reaching. There's a smarter front end, plus inside, an upgraded cabin that features Vauxhall's clever 'OnStar' connectivity system. Under the bonnet, the car gets the brand's latest, more efficient, 1.6-litre CDTi 'whisper diesel' engines, plus a pokier 1.4-litre petrol unit. A Vauxhall then, that is in every way a car of its time, very much chiming with the new face of a changing brand. Let's try it.

Driving Experience

Mokka X buyers are people likely to be enthusiasts for life rather than for cars. So they may not care that this car isn't quite as sharp and wieldy as a rival Nissan Juke, nor does it have the 'big SUV' polish of a comparable Skoda Yeti. Instead, there's a potentially pleasing compromise between the two.

Under the bonnet, there are three main engine options, the most affordable, as ever, being the least desirable of the trio, the 2WD-only 115PS petrol 1.6-litre variant. A better bet for petrol people is the 140PS 1.4-litre turbo, now also available with 152PS if you go for a top-spec AWD model with auto transmission. The most practical engine choice though is the one most buyers will probably select, the 1.6-litre CDTi diesel, now offered with either 110 or 136PS.

Design and Build

The Mokka's compact size - it's 4.28m long - places it in the upper part of the compact Crossover segment. In other words, in terms of exterior dimensions and cabin space, it's more Skoda Yeti than Nissan Juke - but not quite Nissan Qashqai size. For this improved 'Mokka X' model range, British designer Mark Adams and his team have tried to create a bolder look. This means a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. At the rear is another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. Vibrant new colours such as 'Amber Orange' and 'Lava Red' are also available. On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the latest Astra.

Market and Model

So, this Mokka X is a small, trendily-styled five-door little SUV/Crossover isn't it? Well yes. So it'll be priced directly against the other car we tend of think of in this market sector, Nissan's Juke, won't it? Well, no. Vauxhall points out - correctly - that their car is a significantly larger thing - hence the price span for the range that lies in the £17,500 to £27,000 bracket. To put that into perspective for you, that means you'll be probably be paying a price premium of around £3,000 for this Mokka X over an equivalent Juke. You'll need around £20,000 for the least expensive AWD Mokka X model.

As well as the extra space, you get more kit than you would on that Nissan. There's a choice of four trim levels, 'Active', 'Design Nav', Elite' and 'Elite Nav'. Standard equipment on the mid-range 'Design Nav' models most will choose is impressive and includes 18" alloy wheels on most models, plus LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and silver roof rails on the outside. Inside the cabin, drivers will benefit from an 8-inch touch screen with Vauxhall's IntelliLink Infotainment system, as well as the innovative OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant. 'Elite Nav' is the top-of-the-range trim and adds a full leather interior, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus tinted rear windows.

Cost of Ownership

The 110PS 1.6-litre CDTi diesel is the unit you'd probably ideally want and it returns a very class-competitive set of stats - 65.7mpg and 105g/km of CO2 - or 68.9mpg and 103g/km in more frugal ecoFLEX guise. Even if you go for the pokier 136PS CDTi powerplant and mate it with AWD, you still get 60.1mpg and 124g/km. The picture's not quite so rosy when it comes to petrol power. The oldest engine in the line-up, the 115PS 1.6-litre petrol unit, shows its age here, returning 41.5mpg on the combined cycle and 155g/km of CO2. Even the 4x4 automatic version of the 140PS 1.4-litre petrol turbo unit can better this - managing 43.5mpg and 150g/km of CO2.

Summary

Look clearly though, as we've tried to do here, at what you actually get for what you actually pay and the Mokka X makes fashionable sense. With styling and size almost perfectly pitched, it's practical, well equipped, affordable to run and, in 4x4 form, seasonally capable too. A car with an appeal that builds as your interest in it grows. The kind of car Vauxhall needs to make. For a more fashionable future.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Vauxhall Mokka X

PRICES: £18,140 - £27,315

INSURANCE GROUPS: 5E-T1 – 14E-T1

CO2 EMISSIONS: 103-155g/km

PERFORMANCE: [1.4 Turbo] 0-60mph 9.4s / Max Speed 118mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 CDTi 110PS ecoFLEX] (combined) 68.9mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front, side and curtain airbags, ESP-plus switchable stability control, Hill Start Assist, Descent Control System, Adaptive Brake Lights

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm: 4278/1777/1654