Vauxhall Mokka review
By Motor Match • 01/11/2023
Vauxhall has recently updated the popular Mokka - let's see what's changed and what we think!
What is it?
While Vauxhall’s first Mokka crossover might have sold in vast numbers, it’s safe to say in other areas it was quite a disappointment, with the driving experience and bland design leaving plenty to be desired.
But Vauxhall has been given a much-needed injection of life in recent years and now produces some of the best-looking cars on the road. That is partly down to the latest Mokka. Let’s explain.
What’s new?
The Mokka was the first new Vauxhall to show off its new brand design, which has since been rolled out across all its cars. The main highlight was its ‘Vizor’ front end, which is a gloss black strip that includes the LED headlights and Vauxhall emblem. It’s a very smart design and one that has been a key draw for new Vauxhall customers.
There’s a bright new interior on display too, while under the surface the Mokka can be had with an electric powertrain for the first time.
What’s under the bonnet?
On the Mokka, there’s the choice of petrol or electric.
Starting with petrol, both models use a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit. In 99bhp guise, it uses a manual gearbox, but if you choose the quicker 129bhp version, you can have it as a manual or optional automatic.
As for the electric Mokka, this combines a 134bhp motor with a 50 kWh battery. Vauxhall claims up to 209 miles from a charge, with a rapid charge to 80 per cent taking just 30 minutes with a 100kW rapid charger.
What’s it like to drive?
Vauxhall worked hard to make this Mokka better to drive, and it has certainly worked. This new model can be up to 120kg lighter than its predecessor depending on specification and feels far more agile as a result. There’s little roll through the corners, and it can be decent fun to pilot down a back road.
The automatic gearbox can be a bit dim-witted, however, while we found the low-speed ride on our top-spec car to be quite crashy at low speeds. Choosing a lower trim with smaller wheels would improve matters.
What’s the spec like?
The Mokka comes with plenty of equipment as standard, with even entry-level Design cars coming with a reversing camera, full LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a seven-inch touchscreen and digital dials of the same size.
The mid-range GS model is far more stylish with its 18-inch alloy wheels and black detailing, while you also get heated front seats and a 10-inch touchscreen alongside a larger 12-inch digital dial display.
The range-topping Ultimate model comes fully-loaded with Matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and Alcantara seat upholstery.
How does it look?
Vauxhall has really worked its magic on this new Mokka in the looks department, and it’s a great piece of design in our eyes. There’s not only the smart new Vizor that we’ve already mentioned, but the Mokka has more of a coupe-like look that really adds to the style.
A broad colour selection, including brighter shades, and striking LED rear lights further add to the package.
What’s it like inside?
The new Mokka’s interior gets a smart panel that blends a touchscreen with a digital dial display, in a not-too-dissimilar way to those of newer Mercedes models. Both work well, with the digital instrument cluster being a real highlight. Some of the quality is a little disappointing, however, with areas such as the door cards feeling quite cheap.
The Mokka isn’t the roomiest car in its segment, however, with fairly average rear legroom. The 350-litre boot isn’t all that much bigger than superminis like the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, either.
Verdict
This new Vauxhall Mokka is night and day better than its predecessor, with its style alone likely to win over buyers. It’s decent to drive as well, while generous equipment levels and plenty of technology add to the appeal.
Though there are roomier crossovers available, if that’s not a top priority, the Mokka is a great used buy.
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