You’ve got to hand it to Ford of Europe and Ford of Britain in particular. Effectively replacing the Fiesta with a small crossover was a tall order, yet it’s worked beautifully. Transaction prices are at higher levels, something Stellantis hopes will also become more of its own reality via the rival Vauxhall Mokka.
Now past the mid-cycle part of what will likely be a seven, possibly eight-year production plan, the 4,150 mm long high hatchback/crossover/SUV – call it what you will – is having something of a second wind.
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More than 10,000 Mokkas were sold in Europe’s largest national passenger vehicle market during the first half of 2025, Opel getting the refreshed model shortly before Vauxhall launched it in Britain several months ago.
The fastest electric Vauxhall ever on its way
Along with the nip and tuck, fresh colours, new wheels and revamped dashboard, there was also an array of mechanical changes. These continue to be rolled out, as the recent announcement of the GSE underlines. This variant, with its 207 kW (280 PS) and 345 Nm motor, also happens to be the fastest electric Opel or Vauxhall yet. Sales won’t commence until later this year, which is a clever strategy to keep the model in the automotive news cycle.
Announced in 2020, the second generation Mokka has the CMP architecture in common with multiple Stellantis brand small hatchbacks and crossovers. These include the Corsa, Jeep Avenger, DS 3, Fiat 600, Lancia Ypsilon and Alfa Junior. It’s manufactured on a shared production line too, that being at Peugeot’s Poissy factory in France.
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By GlobalDataThree ICE choices and two EVs
There had once been a diesel engine for the UK market but that’s gone, leaving these alternatives:
- 100 kW (136 PS) 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo, six-speed manual
- 96 kW (130 PS 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo, eight-speed automatic
- 107 kW (145 PS) 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo hybrid, six-speed DCT
- 115 kW (156 PS) electric, single-speed transmission
- 207 kW (280 PS) electric, single-speed transmission (GSE only)
Vauxhall offers the Mokka in four trim levels, these being Griffin, Design, GS and Ultimate. Excluding only the most powerful motor, every propulsion system is available for each. Griffin is a recent addition, this base grade offering a little less standard equipment than for Design specification.
There is no longer any faux chrome plastic exterior detailing, while the top two trims gain black cladding on their sides, front and rear. Also, Opel and Vauxhall’s so-called ‘Vizor’ styling now features, this being meant to conjure up an image of a darkened motorcycle visor. Black plastic for certain exterior embellishers (including the Vauxhall emblems in some model grades) contrasts with what are often bright new colours, the tail lights have changed and wheel designs are also new.
It starts with a key not a button
There are changes for the cabin too, starting with standard 10-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrumentation. Further, all Ultimate versions now come with ChatGPT and EV routing for the nav system. It’s also good to report that Stellantis specifies physical, tactile controls for HVAC functions. And on the GS Hybrid test car, there was an actual ignition key barrel as an added delight. The parking brake is, however, electric but it does work almost as well as a manual one.
Vauxhall and Opel are not alone in specifying lots of recycled materials for their cars’ interiors and the seat fabrics feel good whilst avoiding all the cold day/hot day issues which vinyl or leather bring with them. Why do OEMs even specify these? And the same applies to the equally inferior glossy black plastic which unfortunately shows dust and fingerprints all too well. At least the new steering wheel’s matte-finish buttons and overall arrangement of screen functions work perfectly.
Where the Mokka falls down is in the roominess department, the boot having only 350 litres. That’s a lot less than the Puma and most other rivals. However, even with tight space in the rear compartment a reality – let’s not forget this is a small car with a low-ish roofline – the seat-backs are soft so passengers’ knees will be happy. Total volume with seats dropped is 1,105 litres.
New MHEV powertrain
Most Vauxhalls tend to feel like the engineered-in-Germany cars that they are, just like many of Ford of Europe’s models do. By which I mean communicative steering and firm rather than floppy suspension tuning. Another similarity between the Mokka and its rival the Puma is a car-like height which also helps with dynamics.
Stellantis has been quietly upgrading the 100 kW (136 PS) 1.2-litre 48 V mild hybrid system fitted to so very many of its vehicles. Now it has arrived in the Mokka. The Junior Ibrida Q4 was the first to gain the 107 kW (145 PS) version. But unlike the FWD-only Opel/Vauxhall, the Alfa has all-wheel drive, two motors and a multi-link rear suspension system.
The Jeep Avenger and Peugeot 2008 also feature the new higher power engine/motor system. The latter is still integrated into the six-speed dual clutch gearbox and contributes 21 kW as well as 55 Nm to the combined output of 107 kW.
Summary
More than a typical MHEV system yet not quite a series hybrid, the Hybrid 145, like the Hybrid 136 before it, delivers superb economy and extremely low emissions. For many shopping in this segment and who don’t wish to go EV, this is a great compromise. And as Stellantis continues to tweak both its drive system options and the Mokka itself, Vauxhall seems well placed in the B-SUV segment.
Vauxhall Mokka pricing starts at GBP25,375 OTR. The as-tested GS Hybrid costs GBP29,110 before options. It averages a Combined 57.6-58.9 mpg with CO2 stated as an official 108-110 g/kg.
