A little gem…

Featured in:
December 2012

The Vauxhall Mokka mixes functionality with a comfortable elevated seating position. It is the Griffin-badged company’s answer to the Nissan Juke or the Skoda Yeti.
Power to the small Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is provided by three efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol version comprises a 1.6-litre engine or a 1.4-litre Turbo and there is a 1.7-litre CDTI diesel. I drove the 1.7 Exclusiv 4WD oil-burner – it has bags of pulling power and provides a fun and grippy ride. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with smooth six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

But what I really liked about the Mokka is that it’s a clever car. It introduces new cutting edge technologies, including a string of Driver Assistance Systems at the hub of which are front and rear view cameras. Space is also good; as well as a generous cargo volume, the Mokka offers the latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that is exclusive to Vauxhall. The user-friendly carrier is fully integrated in the rear underbody, functioning like a drawer and accommodating up to three bicycles at a time.

Looks-wise the Mokka is muscular and incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear. Its sporty character is reinforced by its higher ground clearance and 18” alloy wheels. Inside, the new Mokka displays typical Vauxhall values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality, providing up to 1,372-litres of load space and nineteen storage locations.

The new Vauxhall Mokka is available in Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive. The All-Wheel Drive System, which was fitted to my test car, ensures a high level of stability and safety, extending the SUV’s capabilities to more rugged environments. When handling and traction are put to the test, the system automatically and seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels.

Standard features that enhanced the driving experience for me included Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) as well as Hill Start Assist (HAS) and a Hill Descent Control (HDC ) system. This gadgetry seriously improves driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.

Other progressive upmarket technologies the Vauxhall Mokka brings to the table include Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting. This increases driving safety and includes High Beam Assist. The lights cut through the dark like a laser – they really are that good. And, as mentioned earlier, the new generation Vauxhall camera system is also available, giving you access to a number of functions including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and second generation Traffic Sign Recognition. No other sub-compact SUV offers such a system that increases safety and driving comfort.

The Vauxhall Mokka range is now available at Vauxhall dealerships.



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