Inert handling lets the Mokka X down, but the excellent 1.4 Turbo petrol and comfortable ride are strong points
The Mokka X’s relaxed nature is most evident when cornering. While the electrically assisted steering is quick and precise, there’s very little feedback through the wheel to make you feel connected with the road. Where a Skoda Yeti would grip hard, the Vauxhall’s tyres slip and the car starts to slide wide. That’s not our only criticism, either, because the Mokka X also suffers from a lot of body roll.
On the plus side, the soft suspension set-up delivers a supple ride, which combines with the refined engine and low levels of wind and road noise to make the car a decent long-distance cruiser.
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Unfortunately, the Mokka X is less accomplished around town. While its controls are light and progressive, the thick A-pillars create large blind spots at junctions and roundabouts. The small rear window also limits visibility when reversing. At least standard front and rear parking sensors take some of the guesswork out of the parking process.
Traction and stability control are fitted as standard to the Vauxhall, as is Hill Start Assist – which prevents the car from rolling backwards on a slope – and Hill Descent Control – which allows it to drive down steep slopes at a controlled speed. You can have the car with four-wheel drive, but it’s not a proper off-roader.
Engines
There’s a good range of petrol and diesel engines, the 1.6-litre CDTi ‘Whisper’ diesel being a particular highlight. All the diesels offer plenty of torque, so overtaking on the motorway is easy, while the petrol engines are nice and quiet around town.
Even so, we’d only recommend looking at the petrol models if you’ll be sticking to short trips. The 1.6-litre engine is underpowered and struggles up steep hills, while the more powerful 1.4-litre turbo is too noisy when pushed hard.
Here’s a look at the engine range in full. The entry-level unit is the 1.6i naturally aspirated petrol, rated at 113bhp at 6,000rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. It is paired with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual box only, leading to sluggish 0-62mph sprint time of 11.8 seconds and a modest 106mph top speed.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol is offerd with 138bhp at 4,900rpm and 200Nm from just 1,850rpm. That makes for a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds as a front-wheel-drive six-speed manual. Add the auto gearbox, and this grows to 10.1 seconds, but adding the 4×4 system doesn’t affect the car’s acceleration.
The 1.4 Turbo also comes in 150bhp guise. This car has a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds, because it’s four-wheel drive and auto only.
The 1.6 CDTi Whisper Diesel has 134bhp, and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, although the auto is slower at 10.3 seconds. The 109bhp 1.6 CDTi manages 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds, and goes on to 112mph.