New Vauxhall Mokka (Opel Mokka) in-depth review - a BIG improvement!

Carbuyer
22 Jun 202109:05

TLDRThe new Vauxhall Mokka (Opel Mokka) offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a more striking design and improved quality. It's part of a collaborative effort with Peugeot, Citroën, and others, sharing parts and offering a range of powertrains. The Mokka competes with family favorites like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, providing stylish looks and a well-built interior. While practicality is not its strongest suit, the Mokka offers a comfortable ride and punchy engines. The electric version is an appealing option for those looking for a cost-effective EV with a natural driving experience.

Takeaways

  • 🚗 The new Vauxhall Mokka (Opel Mokka) is a significant improvement over the previous model.
  • 🔍 It shares many parts with the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C4, which are part of the same automotive group.
  • 🏎 The car is positioned to compete with other family favorites like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, as well as the practical Škoda Kamiq and fun Ford Puma.
  • 🌐 Available with petrol, diesel, and electric power options, the Mokka offers a variety of specs to choose from.
  • 🛠 The interior features a modern design with a visor front end, a continuous piece of instrument and infotainment cluster, and a 7-inch or 10-inch touchscreen.
  • 📱 Connectivity is good with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available in every model.
  • 🛋 The quality of materials used in the Mokka is a pleasant surprise, moving away from past associations with Vauxhall.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Rear passenger space is limited, with less room compared to competitors like the Ford Puma.
  • 🧳 The boot size of 350 liters is larger than the Corsa it's based on but still not competitive with the largest in its class.
  • 🚘 The driving experience sits between sporty and comfortable, with controlled body roll but less settled at speed.
  • ⚡ The electric version of the Mokka is a good starter EV, offering a natural driving feel with around 200 miles of range.
  • 💰 Both the petrol and electric versions are frugal and cost-effective to run, making them appealing for various types of drivers.

Q & A

  • What was the general perception of the original Vauxhall Mokka?

    -The original Vauxhall Mokka was considered to be bland and without major strengths, yet it was surprisingly popular, possibly due to its SUV looks, good finance deals, or other factors.

  • How does the new Vauxhall Mokka compare to its predecessor?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka is described as significantly better than the old one, with improvements in design, features, and overall driving experience.

  • What automotive group does Vauxhall now belong to, and what other brands are part of this group?

    -Vauxhall now belongs to the same automotive group as Peugeot and Citroën, and has been joined by Fiat and Alfa Romeo, forming a powerful alliance in the automotive industry.

  • Which models does the new Vauxhall Mokka share parts with?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka shares most of its parts with the Peugeot 2008 and the Citroën C4.

  • What are some of the competitors the Vauxhall Mokka aims to outperform?

    -The Vauxhall Mokka is looking to compete with family favorites like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, as well as the practical Škoda Kamiq, and the fun-to-drive Ford Puma.

  • What types of powertrains are available for the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka is available with petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains.

  • What are some of the trim levels offered for the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -Trim levels for the new Vauxhall Mokka include SE, SRi, Elite Nav, and Ultimate Nav for petrol and diesel models, and SE Nav Premium, SRi Nav Premium, and Elite Nav Premium for the electric version.

  • How does the new Vauxhall Mokka's design differ from its predecessor?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka features a more striking design, with a visor front end that is set to be a recurring theme in new Vauxhalls, making it more attractive than its predecessor.

  • What are some of the interior features of the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka's interior includes a continuous piece of instrument and infotainment cluster, with options for a 7-inch or a 10-inch touchscreen, physical twist dials for temperature controls, and good quality materials throughout.

  • How does the new Vauxhall Mokka perform in terms of practicality and space?

    -While the new Vauxhall Mokka offers more room upfront and decent storage, it falls short in the rear passenger space and boot size compared to its competitors, lacking features like a sliding bench found in the Renault Captur.

  • What are the driving dynamics like for the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka sits somewhere in the middle between the sporty Peugeot 2008 and the comfort-focused Citroën C4, offering controlled body roll but less comfort at higher speeds.

  • What are the engine options and their performance for the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -The new Vauxhall Mokka offers a 128 brake horsepower 1.2-liter engine, which provides a decent shove and a 0-62 time of 9.1 seconds. The petrol models are claimed to achieve 51.4 miles per gallon, with CO2 emissions of 126 grams per kilometer.

  • How does the new Vauxhall Mokka's electric version compare to other electric vehicles?

    -The electric version of the Vauxhall Mokka, called Mokka-e, offers a natural and normal driving experience with around 200 miles of range and quick charging capabilities, making it a good option for those new to electric vehicles.

  • What are some deal makers and deal breakers for the new Vauxhall Mokka?

    -Deal makers include the new Vauxhall Mokka's stylish and well-built design, ease of driving, and affordability in terms of running costs. Deal breakers include its lack of practicality compared to rivals, no sliding bench, and a smaller boot size.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introduction to the New Vauxhall Mokka

The script introduces the new Vauxhall Mokka, highlighting its significant improvement over the previous model. It mentions the car's bland past but notes its current popularity, possibly due to SUV aesthetics or attractive financing. The narrator emphasizes the Mokka's new association with the Stellantis group, which includes Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, suggesting a shared platform with the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C4. The script teases an upcoming full review and encourages viewers to subscribe for updates. It also positions the Mokka against competitors like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq, and Ford Puma, noting the car's availability in petrol, diesel, and electric variants with various trim levels.

05:02

🔍 Detailed Review of the Vauxhall Mokka's Features and Performance

This paragraph delves into the Mokka's design, cabin quality, and practicality. It comments on the car's striking new look, particularly the visor front end, and the balance between form and function in the interior. The script discusses the car's infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen standard and a 10-inch option on higher trims, noting some responsiveness issues but good connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The physical controls for temperature are praised for their ease of use. The script also touches on the quality of materials used, dispelling past negative perceptions of Vauxhall. However, it points out the car's limited rear passenger space and modest boot size compared to class leaders. The performance of the petrol engine is discussed, with the 128 brake horsepower 1.2-liter engine recommended over the base model for its value and performance. The script briefly covers fuel economy and CO2 emissions, suggesting the petrol models are frugal. It also mentions the electric version, noting its suitability as an introductory EV with a natural driving feel and low running costs, despite a smaller boot space due to the battery.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vauxhall Mokka

The Vauxhall Mokka, also known as the Opel Mokka, is a compact SUV that has been significantly improved in its new model as discussed in the video. It was previously criticized for being bland but has now become more stylish and competitive in the market. The term is central to the video's theme as it is the main subject being reviewed.

💡Stellantis

Stellantis is the multinational automotive manufacturing corporation resulting from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, which includes Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel. The video mentions that Vauxhall joined this group, which has contributed to the improvements in the new Mokka by sharing resources and technology.

💡Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 is a related model to the Vauxhall Mokka, sharing many of its parts due to the shared platform within Stellantis. It is mentioned in the script as one of the vehicles that the Mokka is compared against, highlighting the shared lineage and the competitive nature of the market.

💡Citroën C4

Similar to the Peugeot 2008, the Citroën C4 is another model within the Stellantis group that shares components with the Vauxhall Mokka. The script mentions that the reviewer has driven both the Peugeot 2008 and the Citroën C4, and liked them, indicating the positive reception of vehicles sharing the Mokka's underpinnings.

💡Trim Levels

Trim levels refer to the different specifications and features available for a car model. The video script lists various trim levels for the Mokka, such as SE, SRi, Elite Nav, and Ultimate Nav, which denote different feature sets and price points, allowing consumers to choose based on their preferences and budget.

💡Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the Mokka is a combination of instrument and entertainment features, including a touchscreen. The script mentions a 7-inch touchscreen standard on all versions, with an upgrade to a 10-inch screen available on higher trims. It is an essential aspect of modern cars, affecting the driving experience and vehicle's appeal.

💡Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

These are smartphone integration systems that allow drivers to connect their phones to the car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, music, and navigation. The video mentions that every model of the Mokka comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, emphasizing the car's connectivity and user-friendliness.

💡Practicality

Practicality in the context of the video refers to the car's ability to meet the needs of its users in terms of space, utility, and functionality. The script discusses the Mokka's practicality, or lack thereof, in comparison to its competitors, noting the limited rear seat and boot space.

💡Rear Seat

The rear seat is the seating area at the back of the car. The video script points out that the Mokka's rear seat space is not as spacious as some competitors, which could be a consideration for buyers who prioritize passenger comfort and space.

💡Boot Space

Boot space refers to the storage capacity at the rear of the vehicle. The script mentions that the Mokka's boot is larger than the Corsa on which it is based but still not competitive with the largest in its class, indicating a potential drawback for those needing ample cargo room.

💡Performance

Performance in the context of the video refers to the car's driving dynamics, including acceleration, handling, and overall responsiveness. The script discusses the Mokka's performance, noting that while it's not the most fun to drive, it offers a balance between sportiness and comfort.

💡Electric Version

The electric version of the Mokka, referred to as the Mokka-e in the script, is an all-electric SUV variant. It is highlighted as a good option for those new to electric vehicles, offering a natural driving experience with low running costs and quick charging capabilities.

Highlights

The new Vauxhall Mokka (Opel Mokka) is a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Vauxhall joined forces with Peugeot Citroën, and now also with Fiat and Alfa Romeo, forming an automotive powerhouse.

The new Mokka shares many parts with the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C4, both well-received models.

The Mokka aims to compete with family favorites like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

The Mokka is available with petrol, diesel, and electric power options.

The new design is more striking than the previous model, with a visor front end that will be a recurring theme in future Vauxhalls.

The cabin offers a nice balance between form and function, with a continuous piece of instrument and infotainment cluster.

All versions get a seven-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering a 10-inch version.

The touchscreen's responsiveness could be improved, but connectivity is good with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Physical twist dials are preferred over touch controls for temperature, offering a surprising amount of information.

The quality of materials used feels plush, a significant upgrade from past Vauxhall models.

The Mokka offers good room to stretch out in the front with ample storage.

The rear seats are less spacious, with limited legroom and no sliding bench option.

The boot size is 350 liters, larger than the Corsa it's based on, but not competitive with the largest in its class.

The Mokka's driving experience sits between sporty and comfort, with controlled body roll but less comfort at speed.

The engines are punchy, especially with turbocharging, offering good performance for the price.

The electric version is a natural and normal EV to drive, with a range of around 200 miles.

The Mokka is more stylish and well-built than its predecessor, making it a strong contender in the small SUV market.

While not the most practical, the Mokka is a good all-rounder and should be on the shortlist for those seeking a stylish small SUV.