Used Vauxhall Mokka X 2016-2019 review

What's the used Vauxhall Mokka X like?

The Vauxhall Mokka X is an updated version of the Vauxhall Mokka small SUV, a car that proved surprisingly popular despite it being not terribly refined nor particularly good to drive.

Changes to the front and rear styling and a redesigned dashboard were enough to warrant the addition of the 'X' moniker to the Mokka's name in 2016, but the car retains the stature of the original and a lot of its underpinnings.

Overview

The Vauxhall Mokka X is stylish and well equipped, but its rivals have it beaten in a number of key areas

Pros

• Well equipped
• Fashionable styling

Cons

• Ride and refinement below par
• Rivals are more comfortable

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Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX Elite Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr 17in Alloy

£2,000

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi Design Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£2,490

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi Elite Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£2,495

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi Active Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£2,500

Vauxhall MOKKA X

1.4i Turbo Design Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£2,500

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi Elite Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr 17in Alloy

£2,950

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.4i Turbo Design Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£2,995

Vauxhall Mokka X

1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX Design Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr 17in Alloy

£2,995

Vauxhall Mokka

1.6i Active Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£3,195

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Engine options are 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol units in 138bhp or 150bhp states of tune, a 113bhp 1.6-litre petrol and two 1.6-litre diesels, with 108bhp or 134bhp.

At launch, there were four trims to choose from: Active, Design Nav, Elite and Elite Nav. As standard, the Mokka X came with a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system, OnStar (Vauxhall’s 24/7 emergency assistance and concierge service), a DAB radio and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring. Also included were dual-zone climate control, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.

In Design Nav form, the Mokka X gained sat-nav and a larger, 8.0in touchscreen, while the range-topping Elite models added leather upholstery and heated sports seats in the front. Elite Nav models gained sat-nav as standard.

The Mokka X isn’t thrilling to drive. Its steering is light enough to make town driving easy, but it’s uncommunicative and the wheels run out of grip quite quickly in corners. The car's handling is also a little vague, with plenty of body lean in corners adding to the feeling of waywardness.

Nor does the softness of the suspension reward the Mokka X with a good ride; it's unsettled over broken surfaces, especially at low speeds, and feels wallowy over speed bumps, while potholes send nasty jolts through the interior. Refinement disappoints, too, with more noise than you get in rivals.

Occupants in the front shouldn't have any problems with head, leg or shoulder room. Three adults across the rear bench would be a squeeze, but two will be fine, thanks to decent head and leg room. However, chunky pillars can make the rear feel closed in; this could be a problem for younger children and those who are claustrophobic.

Both the Volkswagen T-Roc and Renault Captur have bigger boots than the Mokka X, and there isn't a clever folding mechanism for dropping the rear seats. You must move the seat base forward first before you can drop the back, although it will sit mostly flat when you do this. On the plus side, there's no lip to negotiate when loading up the boot.

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Ownership cost

What used Vauxhall Mokka X will I get for my budget?

Prices for early Mokka Xs start at around £8000 – a substantial saving on the new price. Up your budget to £9000 and you'll be able to find a low-mileage car in good condition and with a full service history. A 2018 example will set you back at least £10,500, while a year-old Mokka X from a franchised dealer will be £11,500 or more.

Check the value of a used Vauxhall Mokka X with What Car? Valuations

Our recommendations

Which used Vauxhall Mokka X should I buy?

Engine

If you don’t cover huge mileages, we’d recommend the 138bhp 1.4T petrol model, because it has peppy performance and reasonable economy. The diesels have a peaky power delivery that makes them slightly difficult to drive smoothly.

Specification

We’d also try to seek out a car in Design Nav trim for its sat-nav and upgraded infotainment system. It should also be cheaper on the used car forecourts than higher-spec versions.

Our favourite Vauxhall Mokka X: 1.4T 140 Design Nav

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Vauxhall Mokka X?

The Kia Soul is a stylish alternative to the Mokka X. It has a spacious interior, plus it's decent to drive and well equipped. However, its ride is on the firm side and its steering is rather light and vague.

The Suzuki Vitara is both good to drive and immensely practical. The top-spec models are well equipped and good value for money. The Vitara also has plenty of room for passengers and in the boot, making it a good family proposition.

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