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First Drive: Vauxhall Mokka & Mokka e

Stylish new small SUV, with EV model marks a new dawn for Vauxhall under Stellantis ownership, finds Martyn Collins.

SECTOR B-SUV PRICE £20,240 – £30,880 FUEL 51.4 -65.7mpg (Mokka e 201miles) CO2 0-128g/km

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The first-generation Mokka was revolutionary, although not amazing to drive, but it brought SUV motoring to the masses at an affordable price.

Nine-years on, and with a change of company ownership, this all-new second-generation model is no less radical. Vauxhall, now being part of the Stellantis family of brands, means it gets the same CMP platform as the Citroën C4, DS3 Crossback, Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall’s supermini – the Corsa. That means the Mokka is the second Vauxhall model to be offered as an EV – the Mokka e. All wrapped up in a sharp new look, which was inspired by Vauxhall’s striking GT X concept car. It looks like no other Vauxhall, which we think is a good thing and debuts a new minimal, sealed family grille called ‘the Vizor’ and will feature on other Vauxhall models.

Inside, the Mokka’s curvy dashboard design is well laid out, and an appealing break from the Vauxhall norm, with screens for the instruments and infotainment. Like the Corsa before it, the Mokka is differentiated from its French sister car, the 2008, by its physical controls for the ventilation and infotainment – which in our opinion work better. Although the faux carbon-fibre detailing on the SRi-spec models that we drove was fooling no one.

The seats are comfortable and the driving position multi-adjustable, there’s also plenty of head and legroom in the back – even for the tallest six-footers. The 350 litre boot is similar to the outgoing Mokka, but it’s practically-shaped and has a useful height-adjustable boot floor.

The Mokka is available with the same engine choices as the Corsa, that means 99 and 128hp versions of the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrols. With claimed combined fuel economy of 51.4mpg for both engines, and C02 of 128 and 126g/km respectively. There is also a 108hp, 1.5-litre turbo diesel, with six-speed manual transmission. Claimed economy increases, with up to 65.7mpg, and CO2 of 117g/km.

Then there is the all-electric Mokka e, with its 134hp electric motor and 50kWh battery, giving up to 201 miles range and can support 100kW rapid charging, recovering 80% of the range in just 30 minutes. There’s a good choice of Mokka versions with SE Nav, SRi Nav and Elite Nav models, and all are well-equipped with cruise control, alloy wheels, air conditioning and LED headlights. There’s plenty of standard-fit safety kit on all models, with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance across the range.

We got to drive the 129hp, 1.2-litre petrol with automatic transmission. Plus, the 134hp all electric, Mokka e. The 1.2-litre petrol might be small but is a punchy performer. It is well mated here to a slick eight-speed automatic transmission. The 134hp Mokka e, feels quick off the mark, although the 8.7 second 0-60 acceleration isn’t remarkable. The ride on both was comfortable, although the 17-inch wheels on both sport SRi trim versions, unsettled the low-speed ride. The lower spec Mokka SE might be a better option if most of your driving is around town. The steering is precise, although the handling is tidy rather than involving.

THE VERDICT:

The new Mokka has plenty to offer fleet drivers, however, key rivals have more interior space, and are better to drive.

 

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Martyn Collins

Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.