Buying, Owning & Improving
If you like the looks, then grab a bargain!
Ian Cushway searches out new and used parts prices
It was the Nissan Juke that bucked the trend in 2010. Some called it ugly, others just ‘different’ but either way it attracted enough buyers to deem it a success. So, when the Vauxhall Mokka with its equally lofty driving position, chunky looks and generously kitted out interior appeared two years later, buyers were similarly fascinated. After all, it did everything the Corsa did but was funkier looking and the fact there was an all-wheel-drive in the range served to add interest.
The Mokka was the firm’s first small crossover; it became the Mokka X in 2016 to align it with the more supermini-like Crossland X and larger Grandland X which arrived later. That said, the X also got a slight visual makeover with a new dash and improved infotainment, a wider range of exterior colour schemes and LED adaptive headlamps. Incidentally, while the Mokka shared the same platform as the Corsa, the other two cars in the range inherited their underpinnings from the Peugeot 2008.
Like the Juke, the Mokka’s styling divides opinion. If that pumped-up, off-road look appeals then you’re in luck because with its plastic body cladding, pseudo underbody skid plates, bulging arches and high ride height it ticks all the right boxes in that respect. The chrome front grille (which was updated in 2016) is another bold design cue.
Inside, it also delivers an attractive package. Its no-nonsense cabin feels solid, all the controls fall nicely to hand and soft-touch surfaces on the post- 2016 X trumps rivals who’ve stuck to the scratchy, black plastic finishes. It certainly feels roomier than other SUV rivals and there’s space for five in the rear. Oh, and there’s even a domestic three-pin plug socket in the rear to power accessories. The boot capacity is the most impressive in its class; there’s a whopping 356-litres with the seats in their upright position and 1372-litres when they’re folded flat.
Additionally, the Mokka scored an impressive five-star NCAP safety rating at launch with six airbags and a ‘forward camera’ option available which provided lane departure technology, collision warning and traffic sign recognition.
It was offered initially with a range of engines, including an entry-level 1.6-litre petrol, an eager 1.4 Turbo petrol and a tried and tested 1.7-litre CDTi. But it’s the 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper’ diesel that gets the most praise; it’s a torquey unit that’s quick, smooth and can easily do 65mpg on a run.
Most buyers opted for the manual ’box, although the auto transmission which was offered on the diesels (and 1.4 Turbo from 2013) is exceptionally good so don’t rule it out.
Traction and stability control came as standard, as did Hill Start Assist which s
