Cars

Fresh start for Vauxhall Mokka with new everything and electric option

Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e

VAUXHALL'S all-new Mokka, which marks a quantum leap from the outgoing model, has gone on sale, writes William Scholes.

Although a strong seller, the original Mokka was woefully undercooked when it was first inflicted upon the buying public.

Vauxhall did improve the small SUV considerably throughout its lifespan, but it was never what one could call class-leading.

This new Mokka ought to be an entirely more competitive proposition.

Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e

Vauxhall is now owned by Peugeot, meaning its new models, such as the latest Corsa, share platforms, engines and other technology - including an electric powertrain option - with a variety of Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars.

The Mokka is a good looking car with sturdier proportions than its predecessor. It's 12cm shorter and 1cm wider than before. Other key figures include a weight reduction of up to a considerable 120kg.

Engines include Peugeot's sweet three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol, offered in 99bhp/151lb ft and 128bhp/170lb ft guises. For those who must, a 109bhp/184lb ft 1.5-litre diesel is also available.

Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e

The Mokka-e uses the same 50kWh battery and 134bhp motor as found in the Corsa-e, Peugeot e-208 and e-2008. It has a claimed range of 200 miles, though experience of its sister cars tells me that is an optimistic figure.

As you would expect of an all-new car in 2021, the Mokka is loaded to the gunnels with the latest in-car tech, infotainment, driver assistance and safety systems.

Trim levels are extensive, in typical Vauxhall fashion, running from SE to Ultimate Nav through - deep breath - SRi, SRi Nav Premium, Elite Nav and Elite Nav Premium. In addition, there's also a limited run Launch Edition.

Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e

Petrol and diesel prices start at £20,735 for an SE and top out at £29,685 for a 128bhp Launch Edition.

The Mokka-e is more expensive, though Vauxhall yesterday lowered its prices in response to the government cutting its plug-in car grant.

This had knocked £3,000 off electric cars costing up to £50,000. But last week the government surprised the industry by lowering the cap to £35,000 and the grant to £2,500.

Revised pricing means a Mokka-e SE Nav Premium now costs from £33,040. The range-topping Launch Edition has had its price tag tweaked to a fiver less than £35k, so buyers can still avail of the government-backed incentive - it was originally just under £38k.

Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall Mokka-e Vauxhall Mokka-e