Vauxhall Mokka X review (2016-2019)
The Vauxhall Mokka - or Mokka X as it was renamed in later years - is Vauxhall’s answer to the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. This compact SUV has proved to be a massive hit with young families and couples across the UK. Read our full Vauxhall Mokka X review below.
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Pros
- Good levels of equipment
- Distinctive looks
- Decent fuel efficiency
Cons
- Not the most refined
- Slightly limited rear space
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
Vauxhall put function before form with the Mokka’s dashboard.
Driving position
The upside is that all of the controls are easy to find, there are soft-touch plastics on most of the parts you access most often, and everything’s well put together. It’s distraction-free driving at its best.
Tech and features
There were four trim levels to choose from when the Mokka was new - Active, Design Nav, Elite and Elite Nav.
Active trim gets you a seven-inch touchscreen that uses Vauxhall’s IntelliLink system, plus a quality DAB radio with at least 6 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control and climate control.
An auto-dimming rear-view mirror, sat-nav, a larger touchscreen and heated leather seats come with higher trims.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Handling and ride comfort
It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position in the Vauxhall Mokka with the wheel and seat adjusting to suit all sizes.
On the move, the Mokka’s soft suspension set-up does an admirable job of dealing with rough road surfaces at higher speeds.
It’s not quite as accomplished in town, where it tends to wallow over speed cushions.
It’s a fairly relaxed thing to drive, with good refinement on the motorway. The light steering and front and rear parking sensors that are fitted as standard help when manoeuvring into your favourite parking spot.
Engines and power
There are a pair of petrol engines – the 1.6-litre unit and 1.4 turbo. The latter is the more sprightly option. There’s also a 1.6-litre turbodiesel.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Storage solutions
You’ll find the usual door bins (front and rear), a few cubby holes (including a covered section between the front seats for hiding your snacks from kids) and a glovebox for oddment storage.
Some trims add a storage box under the front passenger seat.
Boot space
The rear seatbacks are split 60/40, so you can still carry a passenger back there and extend the boot space.
With the rear seats in use, the boot can hold 356 litres, which is enough for a week’s worth of shopping or a few medium suitcases.
Fold the seatbacks (an easy job) and you get a total of 1,372 litres – perfect for getting rid of that garden furniture at the tip. A nice big boot opening makes that job much easier.
Rear seats
The rear seats are spacious enough for a couple to travel on long journeys. Elbow room becomes prime real estate if you add a third.
There’s certainly more space on offer than in the first-generation Nissan Juke. The only slight issue in the Mokka is that the thick rear pillars and relatively small rear window mean it can be a little dark back there.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Fuel economy
Vauxhall Mokka economy is at its best with the 1.6 CDTi diesel engine, which averages 50.4mpg officially under the WLTP testing regime.
That’s with front-wheel drive. Opt for four-wheel drive and you’ll get 47.1mpg.
The 1.4 petrol engine returns 39.2mpg at best, with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox knocking 10% off that.
All of those figures are about par for the small SUV class, but some rivals have more economical petrol engines.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
6/10
The Vauxhall Mokka is one of the better-equipped small SUVs out there, even in entry-level trim – which means you get a lot for your money.
Although it's not the most inspiring crossover to drive, the Mokka is ideal for couples, young families and retired folk who tend to prioritise having a few luxuries over a fun driving experience
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