Used Vauxhall Mokka (Mk2, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: stylish SUV lags behind rivals

Verdict

The second-generation Vauxhall Mokka is streets ahead of its predecessor, especially in terms of the design and quality inside and out, while the choice of ICE or electric powertrains widens its appeal greatly. It makes more sense as a used buy, especially if you’re looking at the Mokka-e, because the first owner will have taken the biggest depreciation hit. But the Vauxhall lags behind some rivals in several areas, most notably cabin space and driver appeal. Despite this, the Mk2 Mokka is worth a look, but try some rivals first, and make sure you’re buying the best small SUV for your needs.

When Vauxhall launched the original Mokka in 2012, it proved that an underwhelming car can be a commercial success with the right pricing and marketing. Few who drove the Mokka were impressed, so when an all-new car reached showrooms nine years later, it was long overdue.

With Vauxhall now part of Stellantis (it was owned by General Motors when the original Mokka was launched), expectations were high, and this second take was much more impressive. Better to drive, with a hugely improved interior and sharper styling, the Mk2 was a big upgrade over its predecessor.

History

The Mokka Mk2 hit UK roads in April 2021. From the outset there was a choice of 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engines, the former coming in 99bhp or 129bhp forms, while the diesel came with 109bhp. There was also an electric option; the 134bhp Mokka-e, featuring a 50kWh battery to give an official maximum range of 201 miles. From December 2021, software updates increased this to 222 miles, then from May 2023 a 54kWh battery was introduced, giving a claimed range of 252 miles.

At launch, trims consisted of SE, SRi, SRi Nav Premium, Elite Nav, Elite Nav Premium, Ultimate Nav and Launch Edition; the range was reduced in summer 2022 to Design, GS Line and Ultimate. From spring 2023 all Mokkas were fitted with improved headlights and the 129bhp 1.2T engine was upgraded to 135bhp.

On the road

While the Mokka Mk2 is more refined and better to drive than its forebear, it’s still not a car for those who enjoy driving. The electric option is the pick of the bunch, and when buying used you won’t have to pay a significant premium over an equivalent petrol model. The Mokka-e’s powertrain is smoother, acceleration is stronger and refinement is decent, but the ride and handling balance don’t provide an engaging driving experience.

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Which one should I buy?

If you’re not a high-mileage driver, the Mokka-e makes a lot of sense; its range is around 130 miles on fast roads, but 190 miles around town. For many drivers the 1.2T petrol engine will be preferable and it’s a reasonable choice, but it’s no class leader. The diesel and 99bhp petrol engines came with a six-speed manual gearbox whereas the 129bhp 1.2T engine had a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

Even entry-level Mokkas have air-con, alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and wipers, plus cruise control with a speed limiter. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, parking sensors and climate control.

Alternatives to the Vauxhall Mokka Mk2

The Mokka is unusual in that it’s available as a used buy with petrol, diesel or electric powertrains – just like the Citroen C4/e-C4 and Peugeot 2008/e-2008, which share the same underpinnings. The Vauxhall Corsa is essentially a Mokka that sits closer to the ground, and this also came in petrol, diesel and electric forms, like the Peugeot 208.

Also check out the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro, but if you’re shopping for a petrol-engined micro SUV, suitable rivals include the Ford Puma, which offers practicality with value, along with the Renault Captur. Also consider the Nissan Juke, Skoda Kamiq, SEAT Arona, Citroen C3 Aircross and Jeep Avenger; the latter shares much with the Mokka.

What to look for

Hire headaches

A lot of Mokkas started out as hire cars, so check carefully for signs of abuse, such as damaged interior trim and slipping clutches.

Put it to the test

It’s worth putting any potential purchase through an MoT to see  if there’s any sign of tired suspension. Dampers and ball joints can fail prematurely.

Hot engines

The Mk1 Mokka could suffer from water pump failure leading to the engine overheating, potentially terminally. The 1.2T engine in the Mk2 can still suffer from this fault.

Lock at this

The Mokka-e locking system can play up because of a tired key fob or 12v battery, a software glitch, blown fuse or something else altogether. The manual over-ride for the lock is on the passenger side.

Interior

The Mokka’s cabin is a world away from Vauxhall’s unappealing designs of the past, with its generally high-quality materials and modern design. However, pricier versions get better digital displays and nicer-looking trim, along with improved infotainment, so it’s worth buying further up the range if possible.

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According to owners, the Vauxhall’s multimedia system isn’t as slick as you’ll find in rivals, in terms of responsiveness or user-friendliness. Another key bugbear with Mokka owners is that the rear-seat space is tight and the boot isn’t that roomy, at 350 litres with the back seats in use, or 1,105 litres with the seats folded. The Mokka-e’s boot is even worse, at 310 or 1,060 litres.

Running costs

All Mokkas need to be serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with services falling into five bands: Interim (year one, £219), Main (year two, £279), Minor (year seven, £189), Main (years three, six, 10 at £239) and Major (years four and eight at £349). As if that isn’t complicated enough, the Mokka-e has its own annual pricing structure, which varies between £100 and £285.

On top of this, the brake fluid needs to be replaced every two years at £70, but the use of chain-driven engines throughout the range helps to trim running costs. The exception is the 1.2 turbo unit, which has a wet cambelt that needs to be replaced at six years or 100,000 miles.

Recalls

There have been eight recalls, which is disappointing. The first campaign came in June 2021, because six Mokkas left the factory with loose suspension components. Six months later, more than 2,000 cars were recalled because the windscreen wipers might not work. Further suspension glitches led to recall three, in February 2022; three months later came campaign four, because of chassis plate errors.

In April 2023 and March 2024, Mokkas were recalled because of fuel leaks and exhaust emissions issues respectively. There have been two Mokka-e recalls, in May 2023 and January 2024 to remedy software issues.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The Mokka Mk2 made its Driver Power New Car survey debut last year, in 75th place out of 75, then moved up to 34th out of 50 this year. The Vauxhall’s only top-five placing in 2024 was third for exterior design, with the next-best category score a ninth for cabin design then 13th for infotainment. Practicality and boot space came 49th out of 50, while rear-seat legroom was 48th.

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