2017 Vauxhall Mokka X Design Nav 1.4i Turbo 4×4 – Review

Vauxhall introduced the Mokka in 2013 as its entry into the ever-growing compact SUV market. It was well received and gained over 500,000 sales in its first year, putting it in the same space as its rivals at Renault, Nissan and Peugeot. Last year, it received a facelift and new title, now being known as the Mokka X.

Exterior:

The facelifted Mokka X addresses the cosmetic issues that marred the original model, with new bolder headlights and a bumper front grille. These upgrades help pretty up the small SUV, giving it a more mature look, as well as bringing it in the line with its rivals. Otherwise, the exterior features all the design cues you’d expect from a crossover – plastic cladding, underbody skid plates and raised ride height. This places it somewhere between the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti, striking a balance between rugged and mature.

Interior:

Perhaps the biggest change in the latest model is the Mokka X’s dashboard which is completely redesigned. Its confusing cluster of buttons has been replaced with Vauxhall’s updated design as seen across their latest models. The cabin is comfortable to sit in, with standard seats that have become the norm in modern cars. There’s nothing too flashy, with basic hard plastics and small chrome highlights around the instruments and other elements. Thanks to the tall build of the Mokka X, there is plenty of leg room for all passengers which isn’t normally seen in compact SUVs.

Performance:

A small 1.4-litre turbo engine powers the Mokka X, providing 140bhp that accelerates to 60 in 9.3 seconds. It feels sluggish in low revs as the engine is held back by the turbo which feels unnecessary on such a small engine. Handling is exactly what you’d expect from a compact SUV, making it equally as useful in the city as well as the open road. Fuel economy in the Mokka X could be more impressive as it only achieves 43.5mpg on a combined cycle as well as producing CO2 emissions of 152g/km. The target market for this vehicle, small families, will more than likely be looking for something that provides much better figures.

Technology:

Thanks to this being the Design Nav model, it is fitted with Vauxhall’s Navi 900 IntelliLink satellite navigation system – featuring smartphone projection, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 7-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/digital radio, Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in sockets. This is complemented by an adequate speaker system that provides enough entertainment for family trips. Vauxhall’s excellent OnStar on board assistant comes as standard in this model and although it wasn’t tested, it is highly commended by other users.

In the crowded compact SUV market, the Mokka X does very little to stand out from its stronger rivals. It’s no threat to the Nissan Qashqai or Juke, however, it does present itself as an alternative for those who want something a little different. It isn’t too over the top and provides all the basic functions a modern driver requires as well as being very competitively priced. On the road, the Mokka X Design Nav arrives at £20,495 with the optional two-coat metallic paint which looks especially stunning in blue.