I first saw the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka at the Geneva Motorshow, all new and shiny, I really liked what I saw.

The Vauxhall Mokka, new sub-compact SUV Crossover from Opel and Vauxhall was ready for some test-drives. Drive.co.uk went to Germany.

Hamburg airport is crowded today, passengers with their luggage and children in tow, jumping into the typical beige Mercedes-Benz E-Class taxis as fast as they can to get home just in time for lunch. At the same time automotive journalists from all over Europe are packing themselves into a whole bunch of Mokkas of different colours and trim levels, chaotically driving around and taking first pictures and making cheesy videos.

There is by now quite a jam in the terminal parking lot, practically every passenger, who moments ago were trying to escape, now wants to chat to those good looking journalists and get pictures of the great new car along with their children.

Sub-compact crossovers are becoming very popular in Europe. Opel is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. With this new SUV it wanted to be the first of the German manufacturers to enter this hot segment and to compete with the almighty Japanese. The main rival for Mokka is the popular Nissan Juke, continuing its triumph and conquest of European hearts.  In the same market are the Mitsubishi ASX and Skoda Yeti – but how popular are they these days?

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After driving the first miles behind the wheel it’s becoming clear: A lot of effort has gone into the Mokka. Along with the effort came all those premium-options, the classy ride and aesthetical feel of a proper German car. There are really no compromises, apart for the offroad capabilities. If you are looking seriously at mud plugging the Mokka just isn’t the required SUV. This is an urban machine with a 4-wheel drive system, just in case of some light snow on a peaceful Christmas morning.

What I really like about the design of the car is that there are absolutely no aggressive looks whatsoever. We all are really sick of those ‘street fighter’ vehicles ready to bite your head off. Instead, the Mokka looks confident with its wing-shaped headlamps, muscular wheel arches and compact silhouette. Talented designers are continuing to shape their new cars as if they were sculptures. I am not sure of the black unpainted plastic in the lower part of the car, a must-have for its crossover looks although it cheapens the look for me.

Being only 4278 mm long, 1777 mm wide and 1646 mm  tall and boasting a 2555 mm wheelbase the Mokka seems to be highly compact. You will be surprised when you look inside. The interior is really airy and roomy, the back seat is suitable for two adults although a third can be fitted in.

The interior has a premium-feel, even in the standard trim level. There are lots of plastic parts, but they are quite decently decorated, ergonomics are like on all other new Vauxhalls – of very high standard. The design of the front panel smoothly flows into the door panels, embracing the driver and the passenger and creating the visual effect of making the interior look wider than it is. An option is the extremely comfortable ergonomic front seats, graced with prestigious certification from the German Orthopaedic Association. Further options are the heated steering wheel and second generation Opel Eye camera, which can read all European road signs, assisting you in staying in your lane, activating/deactivating hi-beam and with lots of other features. A cool option would be if it could shoot movies on the go!

Continuing this Vauxhall innovation and originality Vauxhall engineers ended up installing a real 230V socket into the back of the front armrest. A smart move for those passengers, who really need to keep on pushing buttons while being driven around. I am writing these words on route to Hamburg airport with my colleague behind the wheel while my good-old laptop is happily charging.

The Vauxhall Mokka was meant for those urban creatures, who want to have a really practical vehicle for all the everyday needs and a bit more. There are 19 storage spaces where you can stash your contraband property, for goods bigger than that you can also use 362 litres of luggage space in the trunk. If that isn’t enough, fold down the 60:40 split back seats and free up 1372 litres for your beloved 200 watt guitar amplifier.

If you are not a music lover and cycling is your bag Mokka brings a one of a kind bike carrying system called FlexBike. The system is integrated into the rear bumper and will carry 3 bikes, or buy an additional adapter and 5 bikes can be carried…. the smart tilting feature allows you to then open the trunk without removing the bikes.

Drowning in electronic options, what about the engine. The most interesting one is the 1.4 litre petrol with turbocharger, boasting 103 kW at 6000 rpm. Thanks to the turbo you can enjoy your 200 N-m of torque starting from 1850 rpm, the car drives a bit like a diesel. Perfect for city acceleration not requiring a down shift to overtake.

In all this excitement, there is absolutely nothing sporty about the Mokka, you’ll have your 62 mph after 9,9 seconds of pedal to the metal. In return for being patient you can get 44.1 miles per gallon according to the manufacturer. During my German test-drive in the combined cycle the consumption was more like 36-37 mpg. Still a decent result.

The 1,4T is available only with a 4-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, which drives very smoothly with a pleasant feel. This model also features the Start-Stop system as standard equipment for saving fuel and the planet between stops.

For those who care more about their wallet rather than about the dynamics there is an 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 85 kW, 155 Nm of torque, 43,5 mpg for £16 995. Those, who want an automatic gearbox, have no other option than to buy an 1.7 litre diesel. There is a choice of two or four wheel drive. You’ll get 96 kW at 4000 rpm, 300Nm of torque at 2000 rpm, 10.5 seconds to 62 mph, or 11.5 with the automatic and up to 62.8 mpg if you drive like a retired ice-cream truck driver. With reduced emissions of only 119 grams of CO2 per each kilometre. The world is saved…

It actually is! But it’s not about the CO2. It’s about an urban SUV being comfortable instead of pseudo-sporty and aggressive. Thank you, chassis engineers for becoming reasonable! Mokka really feels smooth and capable for the all-terrain of a big city and stable and confident for fast motorways. The 1.4 turbo-petrol is also very quiet, only some wind noise can be heard in the cabin. You won’t want to go fast, but if you need to, Mokka won’t flip onto its roof in the first corner thanks to its low centre of gravity. Balanced, that’s what it is!

The Drive Summary

Mokka could be the next big thing. It has all these endless options lists, premium-feel, roomy and practical interior, classic looks without any extremes and a trio of trusty and economical engines to choose from.

Starting at £16.995 you’ll get switchable Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control, Descent Control System, Hill Start Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, Front seat side-impact airbags, Full-size curtain airbags, Air conditioning, CD/MP3 player with an aux-in socket and a digital radio, Steering column adjustable for reach and rake, Multi-function trip computer, Cruise control, Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, Electrically operated front windows, Alloy-effect protective front skid plate, Silver-effect roof rails and 16-inch steel wheels with 205/70 R 16 tyres.

For more pricing and options on the Vauxhall Mokka Click Here

The only thing we are missing here is…. the coffee maker! One Mokka should know how to prepare a proper tempting Mochachino!

Pros: Classic looks, generous option-lists, economical and eco-friendly engines, comfortable ride.

Cons: Noisy diesel, lack of automatic gearbox with the petrol engine, small boot.

Alternative: Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi ASX, Skoda Yeti

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