Used Vauxhall Mokka 2021-present review

Few people know this, but, alongside its cars, Vauxhall sells branded coffee. This is the Vauxhall Mokka and... what's that? Oh, it's a small SUV? And it's spelt differently? Got it. Apologies, the Mokka is a car, just one with a name that preys on confused caffeine addicts.

We're focusing on the latest model here. It took over from the popular yet flawed 2012-2016 Vauxhall Mokka and the 2016-2019 Vauxhall Mokka X, so we can tell you whether it's an improvement over those two – spoiler alert, it is – and whether now's the time to buy a used one.

Engines & Performance: The entry-level 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol is punchy enough, but it borders on sluggish at times. The 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol feels noticeably more capable.

A 134bhp petrol is also available and it's quicker than the 128bhp unit, albeit only slightly so – 0-62mph in 9.1sec as opposed to 9.2sec. On paper, that just about matches the Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid 155PS, although, in the real world, the Puma feels much stronger from a standstill and is more versatile when it comes to overtaking.

The 128bhp engine comes with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the other engines are only available with the manual. You can do also without an engine and have an electric version – see our Vauxhall Mokka Electric review to read about that.

You can have a 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, although it hasn't proved very popular and thus you won't find many on the used market.

Ride & Handling: Over the kind of long, wavy undulations present on motorways and A-roads, the Mokka, with its softly sprung suspension, is remarkably comfortable. Around town, the ride can be more easily upset by potholes and sunken drain covers, thus rocking you around in your seat – never violently so, though.

In the bends, the Mokka is more prone to body lean than the Audi Q2 and the Puma, even at moderate speeds, and it feels a little top-heavy when making quick changes of direction. That said, it does feel better balanced (and is therefore more confidence-inspiring) through faster bends than the Citroën C3 Aircross.

We also prefer the steering in the Mokka to that of the (mechanically related) Peugeot 2008. It feels more naturally weighted and is more linear in its responses, making it easier to place the car accurately on country roads.

Interior & Practicality: Like most small SUVs, the Mokka isn’t a whole lot taller than a regular hatchback. However, the seats are mounted quite high up to give you more of a commanding view of the road and the impression you’re driving a ‘proper’ SUV.

A 7.0in digital instrument display comes as standard from new, with a larger 12.0in display provided from GS trim and up. Both include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring – handy, because the built-in system is not especially intuitive to use, nor is it particularly responsive.

The interior has an eclectic-looking mix of materials and all the key controls are angled towards the driver for a sporty, driver-focused vibe. If you take the time to poke and prod those materials, though, you’ll find that they’re not as plush as the equivalents used in the Q2 and the 2008.

With its high window line, you do feel a little hemmed in sitting in the back of the Mokka. Unless you’re well over six feet tall, you'll have plenty of leg and head room, but the middle seat is quite narrow and slightly raised, so this isn’t the best small SUV for carrying three passengers in the back.

Boot space in the Mokka is pretty unremarkable by class standards. There’s enough space for a weekly shop or a short family holiday, but the Puma, Renault Captur, Seat Arona and especially the Skoda Kamiq offer more space.

Trims & Equipment: The entry-level trim – called SE, but later renamed Design – has pretty much all the everyday basics covered, including 16in alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, LED headlights and touchscreen infotainment.

Mid-spec SRi trim – now called GS – adds a few extra nice-to-have luxuries, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, bigger 18in wheels, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, climate control and the larger infotainment system with built-in sat-nav.

If you want your Mokka to have all the toys, Ultimate trim is the way to go. It adds front parking sensors, an electric driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and massage, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and keyless entry and start.

Interested in buying a used Vauxhall Mokka? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

For a respectable 2021 Mokka with the 99bhp petrol engine and SE trim, expect to spend at least £13,000. Have around £15,000 for the 128bhp unit in SRi trim. Ultimate trim nudges £20,000.

Mokkas from 2023 tend to go for upwards of £20,000.

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MPG: In our Real MPG tests, the 128bhp petrol Mokka managed an average of 41.8mpg. Expect the 134bhp unit to return a similar number and the 99bhp one to best it – officially, the latter averages 51.4mpg.

Road tax: You'll be paying £180 per year in road tax.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups waver around 15 (out of 50), so expect insuring a Mokka to be a reasonable affair by class standards. For three services of a 2021 Mokka, we were quoted £795 via Vauxhall.

Opting for a 128bhp petrol SRi car over a 99bhp petrol SE one will cost you around £2000 – a very reasonable premium to pay, seeing as you'll appreciate the extra performance and equipment.

On the other hand, choosing a Mokka in Ultimate trim demands a further £5000 or so and that's harder to justify. Only go for Ultimate if you have cash to splash.

Our favourite Vauxhall Mokka: 1.2 Turbo SRi

If you’re after an entertaining drive, complemented by nippy yet fuel-efficient engines, the Ford Puma is a great choice. So much so, in fact, that we named it our What Car? Car of the Year for 2020, as well as this year's Used SUV of the Year.

For something a little more premium, consider the Audi Q2. It’ll generally be more expensive to buy, but it's available with more powerful engines, plus it gets a smarter interior.

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Interested in buying a used Vauxhall Mokka? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.