First Drive: Vauxhall Mokka-e

The Mokka is Vauxhall's latest model to undergo an all-electric transformation. Using a proven powertrain, Richard Gooding discovers its ground-up reinvention is much more than skin deep

What is it?
Now firmly part of the vast Stellantis group, Vauxhall will become an all-electric brand from 2028. The Corsa-e paved the way for zero-emission Vauxhalls and now it's the Mokka's turn to become an EV, although petrol and diesel ICE versions are available.

Based on the same 'e-Common Modular Platform' (e-CMP) shared with the Citroën e-C4, DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, and the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008, the Mokka-e also receives those cars' 50kWh lithium-ion battery mated to a 100kW electric motor.

What range does it have?
The Mokka-e can officially travel 201 miles between charges.

How long does it take to charge?
All Mokka-es are fitted with an 11kW on-board charger. Connected to a 7kW wallbox, the battery is charged from 0-100 per cent in under eight hours. On a 22kW public charger, it takes just over five hours. A 50kW rapid charger will refill the battery from 15-80 per cent in 45 minutes; a 100kW connection cuts that time by 15 minutes.

How does it drive?
Losing the frumpy looks of its predecessor, the second-generation Mokka is sleek and sharp. It really looks great in bright colours such as the Mamba Green of our test car, which, like other models in the range, comes with a black roof, adding further style. The new integrated 'Vizor' grille and headlight combination works very well, and you have to ask why Vauxhall kept the Mokka name for the new car, so different is it to what went before.

Inside, the dashboard is equally avantgarde. The 'Pure Panel' is a twin-digital screen set-up, containing the digital instrument panel and the central touchscreen. Our Elite Nav Premium test car had a 12-inch instrument display paired with a 10-inch central touchscreen angled towards the driver, outlined by a chrome finish which becomes a ledge at the bottom of the screen. Its sharp graphics and high-tech feel really does set the Mokka-e apart from its rivals. Quality is very good, too.

It's easy to get comfortable in the all-electric Vauxhall, and that comfortable feeling continues on the move. Hushed at speed, there is little tyre noise, and while the Mokka-e rides firmly, it's not uncomfortable. The car handles well for a compact SUV, too, with good body control.  

The100kW electric motor has 192lb ft (260Nm) of torque, which propels the Mokka-e to 60mph from rest in 8.7 seconds, and the car feels plenty fast enough. Three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – allow tailoring of the driving experience, and two regenerative braking modes aid efficiency. As with other e-CMP models, press the 'B' mode gearbox button on the centre console to engage the harsher setting and you can almost one-pedal drive if you're careful with your anticipation and driving behaviour.

What does it cost?
Vauxhall's latest EV star comes in a choice of four models. Priced from £30,540 (including the Government Plug-in Car Grant), the Mokka-e SE Nav Premium has an auto-dimming rear view mirror, auto wipers, adaptive cruise control, climate control, keyless entry, LED lights, rear camera and parking sensors, a seven-inch colour touchscreen and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The £32,435 SRi Nav Premium gains a 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, a black roof, bi-colour 18-inch alloy wheels with red accents, and LED fog lights. Driven here, the Mokka-e Elite Nav Premium starts at £32,080 and features 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, and heated seats, while the range-topping £32,495 Ultimate Edition has front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, LED matrix headlights, and privacy glass.

How much does it cost to tax?
As with all electric cars, the Mokka-e doesn't attract any charges for VED, in either the first registration year or subsequent years. The Vauxhall has a one per cent Benefit in Kind (BIK) rate for 2021-2022, which rises to two per cent in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.

Why does my fleet need one?
There hasn't been this marked a humdrum to handsome car turnaround for quite some time. The new Mokka is everything the old one wasn't: spacious, loaded with style, packed with technology and kit, and well-made, too. It elevates Vauxhall's compact SUV to a car which is as desirable as it is practical. A different take on the established Stellantis EV SUV recipe, the Mokka-e will appeal to those fleets who want to stand out from the crowd – especially in one of the brighter colour options – with a car that possesses a stylish yet efficient sensibility.