Vauxhall Mokka review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

Step inside the Mokka X (the post-2016 version), and you’ll find a much-improved dashboard compared to the original Mokka. Vauxhall simplified the layout, reducing the number of buttons and adding its user-friendly IntelliLink infotainment system. This comes with a standard seven-inch touchscreen that’s clear and easy to navigate.

Best of all, every version includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly connect your phone to handle music, navigation, and messages. The pre-2016 Mokka has a lot more buttons on the centre console, which can feel a bit cluttered, but the core functions are all there. Overall, the cabin feels well-built and designed to withstand the rigours of family life.

Comfort

The Mokka delivers a comfortable experience, which is exactly what you want from a family car. The soft suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps in the road, making for a smooth ride around town and on the motorway. The seats are supportive, and the high driving position gives you a great view of the road ahead.

It’s an easy car to get comfortable in, with plenty of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Higher-spec models add welcome extras like heated front seats and even a heated steering wheel, which is a real treat on a frosty morning.

Quality

The interior of the Mokka feels solid and durable. While it doesn't have the premium feel of an Audi Q2, the materials used are of a decent quality, especially in the Mokka X, which features more soft-touch plastics on the dashboard. Everything feels like it's built to last.

The fit and finish are good, and there are some nice chrome and silver-effect details that lift the ambience of the cabin. It may not have the flair of some rivals, but its functional and hard-wearing interior is perfectly suited to its role as a practical family runabout.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

For a small SUV, the Mokka is surprisingly roomy inside. It offers more passenger space than many supermini-based crossovers like the Nissan Juke, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adults sitting in the back. It’s a car that can comfortably carry four adults on a long journey, or five at a squeeze for shorter trips.

There are also plenty of useful storage areas dotted around the cabin for all your family’s odds and ends. Higher-spec models even come with extra cubby holes, adding to the car’s everyday usability.

Boot space

The Mokka’s boot offers 356 litres of space, which is a practical size for this class of car. It’s large enough to handle a big weekly shop, a pushchair, or luggage for a family holiday. The boot has a nice square shape and a relatively low loading lip, making it easier to get heavy or bulky items in and out.

If you need more room, the rear seats fold down completely flat, expanding the load area to an impressive 1,372 litres. This flexibility makes the Mokka a great companion for those occasional trips to the DIY store or for moving larger items.

Driving

Driving experience

The Vauxhall Mokka is set up for comfort rather than sporty handling. The steering is light, which makes it a doddle to manoeuvre around town and navigate tight car parks. On the open road, it feels safe and predictable, though it’s not as engaging or fun to drive as some of its rivals.

You might notice some body roll if you go into corners too quickly, but in normal, everyday driving, it feels composed and secure. Visibility is generally good, thanks to the high driving position, although the thick front pillars can create a blind spot at junctions. Overall, it’s a relaxing and easy car to drive.

Performance

Vauxhall has offered a few different engines in the Mokka over the years. On the Mokka X, the choice was streamlined to a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 138bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel with 134bhp. The petrol engine is perfectly adequate for most situations, but the diesel is the better bet if you do a lot of motorway miles, as its extra torque makes for more relaxed cruising.

Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. You can also find some Mokka models with four-wheel drive, which provides extra grip and confidence in slippery conditions.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

Running costs for the Mokka are reasonable. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is the most economical choice, with an official fuel economy figure of up to 58.9mpg. This makes it a great option for high-mileage drivers looking to keep their fuel bills down. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is a bit thirstier, officially returning around 44.1mpg.

It’s worth remembering that choosing an automatic gearbox or a four-wheel-drive model will have a small impact on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Insurance groups are competitive for this class of car, ranging from 11 to 16.

Value for money

The Mokka has always been a strong contender on value. While new prices were competitive, it’s on the used market where it really shines. The Mokka and Mokka X depreciate quite heavily, which is great news for secondhand buyers as it means you can get a well-equipped, practical family car for a very attractive price.

Reliability & Warranty

The Mokka has performed well in reliability surveys, and because it uses proven parts from the wider Vauxhall family, there are few major issues to worry about. From new, Vauxhall provides a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is standard for the industry.

Safety

Safety features

Safety is a strong point for the Mokka. When the original model was tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, it achieved a full five-star rating, with particularly high scores for protecting adult and child occupants in a crash.

All models come with a good level of safety kit as standard, including multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX points for securely mounting child seats in the rear. While it may lack some of the very latest active safety technologies found on newer rivals, it provides solid, dependable protection for your family.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The Mokka and Mokka X have been available in a wide range of trim levels, all of which are well-equipped.

Design Nav/Active: These are popular mid-range trims that come with plenty of desirable features, including a seven-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and automatic lights and wipers.

Griffin: Often introduced as a special edition, the Griffin trim packs in lots of equipment for a great price, typically adding heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Elite/Elite Nav: These are the top-spec models. They add luxuries like full leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an upgraded eight-inch touchscreen with navigation on the Elite Nav version.

Engines

The engine line-up is straightforward, particularly on the more recent Mokka X models.

1.4-litre Turbo Petrol: This 138bhp engine is a solid all-rounder, providing enough power for most driving situations. It’s reasonably smooth and quiet in everyday use.

1.6-litre CDTi Diesel: With 134bhp and plenty of torque, this is the engine to choose for long-distance drivers. It offers strong pulling power and the best fuel economy in the range.

Both engines were available with either a manual or automatic gearbox, and some versions were offered with the option of four-wheel drive.

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