Vauxhall Mokka long-term test: report 5

The Car Vauxhall Mokka 1.2 136 GS 6-Speed Manual Run by Jonty Renk, senior videographer

Why it’s here To prove that small, petrol-powered SUVs can still hold value for buyers wanting to keep costs low

Needs to Be comfortable for five people and transport luggage with ease, be comfortable on long distances and function as a mobile office when needed

Mileage 7923 List price £28,085 Target Price £26,475 Price as tested £28,085 Official economy 51.4mpg Test economy 42.2mpg

26 September 2023 – Putting the miles in

I’ve been chewing through the miles in my Vauxhall Mokka. In fact I’ve covered more than 7500 miles in it, which makes me very well qualified to talk about how my car fares once the showroom-fresh shine has worn off.

Firstly, I’ve spent all of those miles sitting very comfortably. It was very easy to sort a bang-on driving position from the first moment I got in the car, and I particularly like how it perches me a little higher than I would be in a regular family car.

It’s not exactly a Range Rover, of course, but I still have a commanding view ahead, which is a pleasure on the motorway, and it also lets me see right down to the nose of the car, making it easy to judge its dimensions when I’m squeezing into a parking spot. There’s plenty of cushioning in the seats; too; their contours hug me nicely and I’ve never felt the need to change my position on a long journey to prevent myself cramping up.

Another great thing about the driving position is the placement of the infotainment system. It’s not just been plonked on top of the dashboard; it’s angled slightly towards the driver, and that not only makes it easier for me to see but also means I don’t have to stretch over to the side quite so much if I want to operate it.

Not everything is as well thought out on the outside, though. The placement of the boot release, for example, is strange; there is an obvious hollow at the top of the rear bumper where I, and many of my passengers, have instinctively reached for to open the boot – but there’s nothing there. The boot release is actually down by the number plate. Of course, once you know, you know – but because it’s so close to the ground it means that in wet weather a lot of grime and muck is thrown up onto the button.

This small complaint however, doesn't take away from the fact that my Mokka is a pleasure to live with. Owning it is easy, and it's been a very dependable car. Despite my rapidly spiralling mileage, I still find myself looking forward to every journey.

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