The improved version of Vauxhall's Mokka Electric small EV crossover aims to energise its brand. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

In theory, Vauxhall's Mokka Electric ticks a lot of boxes, especially in this usefully updated form. Small, fashionable SUVs are the market's primary growth area at present. And of course, everyone's talking about EVs. This one gets even trendier looks and a smarter cabin, plus as before proven underpinnings and a drivetrain claiming up to 252 miles of range. It's the sort of electric model that ought to find a ready audience.

Background

Unlike some volume rivals who are tinkering around the edges of electrification with mild hybrid technology, Vauxhall is fully committed to the electric revolution. And we mean the full-electric revolution. Since 2021, we've had the Corsa Electric supermini and EV versions of the Vauxhall Combo and Vivaro Life People Carriers. And it was in that year that we first saw the original version of the car we look at here, Vauxhall's Mokka Electric small SUV (then called the 'Mokka-e'). This was a very different kind of Mokka to the previous generation design and initially, it sold quite well for the Griffin brand, even in pricey EV form. But by 2023, sales had dropped by a third and a mid-term facelift was eagerly anticipated by the dealer network. It's that update we're going to take a look at here. As before, all the basic engineering's shared not only with the Corsa Electric but also by the two Stellantis Group small crossover models that use this one's engineering, the Peugeot E-2008 and the DS 3 E-TENSE. The Griffin brand though, claims to have subtly evolved its version of this fashionable recipe. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

This car doesn't feel quite as urgent away from rest as its Corsa Electric showroom stablemate, but it's not slow; 62mph from rest takes 9s. It does share all the same mechanicals you'll find in that EV supermini, though can now only be had with the larger 54kWh 'Long Range' battery. This offers a range of 250 miles and is linked to a 156PS motor producing 260Nm of torque, mated with the usual single-speed auto transmission you get with EVs. Like all Electric Vehicles, this one has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk, but that arguably helps the Mokka Electric when it comes to ride quality; you'll feel things like speed humps keenly but at speed on the open road, it handles tarmac tears a little better than its combustion cousins. You'll only get near the claimed range figures if you engage a rather restrictive 'Eco' drive setting that drops power output right down to 83PS. You certainly won't achieve anything like that kind of range if you get anywhere near this EV's quoted 93mph top speed. Or if you habitually drive your Mokka Electric in the 'Sport' setting that'll be necessary to release to full power outputs just mentioned. There's very light steering (which you'll need to get used to). And a button to increase brake regeneration (which will charge the battery as you brake or cruise and eke out that all-important driving range).

Design and Build

This is a cleaner, more appealing take on the Mokka Electric, but you might need a long stare and a quick reference to the old car to realise just why. The main changes are at the front, where a new cut line below the blacked-out 'Vizor' grille has been added. The LED headlamps and tail lights also gain a more distinctive three 'lighting block' signature; plus chrome has been dispensed with and there's a redesigned front bumper. A black design strip now runs from the A-pillars above the side windows; with another running across the lower doors surfaces to the rear. The EV version gets special aero wheels too. There are bigger changes inside, where the driver now gets a larger 10-inch digital instrument display. Complementing a central 10-inch infotainment screen that includes a number of functions previously controlled by dashboard buttons. There are also clearer 'widget'-style menus, better 'Hey Vauxhall' voice recognition with ChatGPT functionality and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. Obviously, it's all the same as before further back. As before, there's no useful sliding bench mechanism to improve leg room for adults. That would be OK on a short to medium-length journey, but you wouldn't really want to be in the back for much longer than that. Boot space remains set at 310-litres - which is 40-litres less than the combustion version and a huge 150-litres less than the entry-level Vauxhall SUV EV model, the Frontera Electric.

Market and Model

As before, Mokka Electric pricing starts from around the £33,000 mark, about £6,000 above the Hybrid model. There are three main trim levels - 'Design', 'GS' and 'Ultimate'. All versions come pretty well equipped. Even base 'Design' trim comes with 17-inch black alloy wheels, a black roof, dark tinted rear windows, rear parking sensors, a panoramic rear view camera, LED headlights and taillights and high beam assist. Inside there are 10-inch screens for the infotainment and the instruments courtesy of the Multimedia Pure Panel system. Plus air conditioning, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, cruise control with an intelligent speed limiter, heated front seats and a movable boot floor. Safety kit includes Lane departure warning with Lane keep assist, extended traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, forward collision alert at low speeds and enhanced automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Mid-range 'GS' trim adds larger 18-inch wheels, sportier looks, 'Black Focus' upholstery and a 180-degree rear-view camera. Top 'Ultimate' spec gets into 'IntelliLux' LED matrix headlights, alcantara upholstery, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and a driver's seat massage function.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned earlier that the Mokka Electric will cover up to 250 miles with its Long Range 54kWh battery. This powertrain can support most domestic charging standards, as well as most commercially offered DC rapid charging systems. This car has support for up to 3-phase 11kW charging in AC mode for home use: and 100kW DC capability is standard, allowing the car to be replenished at a public charging point to over 80% capacity in under half an hour. Most owners though, will stick with the standard 7.4kW package and use a 7kW wallbox installed in their garage to complete a full charge from empty in seven and-a-half hours. Unlike some other brands, Vauxhall doesn't throw in that wallbox free with purchase, but the company does offer customers a subsidised 7kW home charging unit from PodPoint. What else? Well, Vauxhall being a mainstream brand, residual values aren't as strong as, for example, you'd get from a rival BMW i3, but the Mokka claws the advantage back with modest cost of options and very affordable servicing you can budget for with a range of pre-paid servicing plans. There's an unremarkable, but potentially extendable, three year 60,000 mile warranty.

Summary

It's hard to recognise this generation Mokka from the Korean MK1 design launched back in 2012 that trundled around on an old fashioned chassis and used thirsty petrol engines. These days, the Mokka is a thoroughly modern product - and this improved Mokka Electric demonstrates just how modern. The competition in this segment though is tough and if you've cast your net about in this class, you'll know that it still can't go quite as far on a single charge as its Korean rivals, nor is it quite as engaging to drive as the Japanese Mazda MX-30. And of course it doesn't really offer anything fundamentally very different from its closest Stellantis Group cousins, the Peugeot E-2008 and the DS 3 E-TENSE. For all that though, we can see plenty of browsing Vauxhall showroom customers being quite seduced by what's on offer here. There's just enough driving range to be practical, just enough style to fit in at the gym and just enough value to make the switch to an EV possible on monthly finance. Just enough of everything then, for Vauxhall to get more of a toe-hold in this important sector.