Vauxhall Mokka Exclusiv 1.7 CDTi Auto 5dr Car Review - June 2013

REVIEW
List Price: £20,954
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 13
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 10.9 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 633 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The Vauxhall Mokka is a car which is designed to compete with other vehicles in the crossover market, and this version is certainly luxurious, with plenty of equipment and nice touches found throughout the cabin. The main issue is that the driving experience is not as accomplished as some other cars in the crossover market, and the firm ride means that it is not as comfortable for the families who are expected to be the main target market of the vehicle.

PROS:  The fuel efficiency for the Auto version of the car is still quite good, while the vehicle also looks attractive and has a good level of equipment that comes with the Exclusiv level of trim.

CONS:  The purchase price means that this version is up against some very good competition, and the engine is particularly noisy, while the ride is also too firm in most circumstances.

Behind the Wheel

Like most cars equipped with the automatic gearbox, this version of the Mokka does suffer in terms of performance and efficiency, although the 1.7 litre diesel engine is still able to achieve reasonable acceleration from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds. The real problem is in terms of the handling and ride however, as Vauxhall have opted to give the car a very firm suspension in order to keep the body roll to a minimum while cornering. The result of this is a very bumpy ride meaning that every pothole is felt in the cabin. The steering is also light and short of feedback, and means that the driver is frequently making small corrections to keep the car going the right way.

The driving position is very good, and the upright nature of the Mokka means that forward visibility is excellent, while drivers will also enjoy plenty of adjustment to allow them to find the right driving position. Driving on the motorway can be quite a loud experience, with the diesel engine quite noisy, and the large wing mirrors generating a lot of wind noise that is audible in the cabin.

Looks & Equipment

While much of the Mokka is based on the Vauxhall Astra, the looks are very different, and the protective hard plastic trim around the bottom of the vehicle is a sign that this is not just a standard hatchback. The bulging wheel arches do help to give the vehicle the feeling that it is slightly wider than it really is, while the roof bars and the small spoiler above the rear window again help to give the car the image of a sportier vehicle. This version of the Mokka is supplied with a set of eighteen inch alloy wheels, that complete this sporty image.

While the Exclusiv level of trim does come with a hefty premium, it certainly does give the car some decent equipment, with modern features such as a DAB digital radio built into the stereo system and Bluetooth connectivity. Parking sensors at the front and rear of the car help make parking the Mokka a straightforward task, while features such as climate control and cruise control make it practical for longer journeys.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

One of the main reasons that people will opt to go for the Mokka over a standard hatchback is the additional practicality that comes with the larger vehicle, and there is plenty of space for four adults to travel in comfort. While the space within the boot of the Mokka isn't quite as large as established rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, the back seats can be folded flat to provide a huge load space.

Safety is one of the main plus points for the Mokka as it has achieved the full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, and comes installed with a good selection of air bags and a variety of electronic assistance systems such as stability control and descent control to keep the car under control. While the warranty on offer is reassuring, Vauxhall's reliability record is not generally considered among the best.

Value for Money

The list price for this automatic version of the Mokka is fairly hefty at £20,450, and the inclusion of the automatic gearbox and Exclusiv trim does contribute to making it one of the most expensive in the range. The 1.7 litre diesel engine is also less efficient in the automatic gearbox set-up, but still offers a respectable average 53.3mpg.

The insurance group for the Mokka is quite competitive, meaning costs should be fairly reasonable. The warranty is one of the most attractive features for Vauxhall's range at the moment, offering a hundred thousand mile warranty which is effectively unlimited in terms of the length of the warranty.

Vauxhall Mokka Exclusiv 1.7 CDTi Auto 5dr Car Review - by 
All Vauxhall Mokka Reviews
Vauxhall Mokka Exclusiv 1.4 16v Turbo S/S 4x4 5dr - July 2012
The Mokka is Vauxhall's answer to the Skoda Yeti and Nissan Juke and, despite its stupid name, it's one of the better cars in its class. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol is arguably the pick of th...
Vauxhall Mokka Exclusiv 1.7 CDTi Auto 5dr - June 2013
The Vauxhall Mokka is a car which is designed to compete with other vehicles in the crossover market, and this version is certainly luxurious, with plenty of equipment and nice touches found throug...
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