Vauxhall Mokka-e review

The first-generation Mokka was Vauxhall’s attempt at riding the wave of small SUV popularity, but never quite matched its rivals and sold more on price than quality or desirability. The second-generation car is a quite different prospect, and can be specified with the same electric powertrain found in the Vauxhall Corsa-e, DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE, Peugeot e-208 and Peugeot e-2008.

Like those other electric cars, the Mokka-e has a 50kWh battery, a 134bhp electric motor and up to 100kW charging speed. This powertrain offers a good balance between efficiency and performance: 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds, top speed is 93mph and total range on a full charge is quoted at 209 miles – up from the original figure of 201 thanks to some technical updates debuted in December 2021.

There's not as much instant 'shove' as you might expect from an electric car, with the initial response of the accelerator feeling more akin to that of a petrol or diesel car. But the Mokka-e handles well and is comfortable; it's at its best at lower speeds around town (which makes sense given its most likely use), dealing with lumps and bumps well.

Increase your speed and there's not quite the same level of control, but the ride never gets excessively uncomfortable. Enthusiastic drivers may be disappointed, however – the Mokka-e is stable and safe, but not especially involving to drive. If you want to have fun behind the wheel of an electric car in this price bracket, try the MINI Electric.

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If you just want to turn heads, however, the Vauxhall may not be a bad choice at all. The Mokka-e’s styling is all-new, showcasing a fresh design language for the brand that harks back to some classic Vauxhall and Opel models of the '70s.

That’s replicated inside with the Mokka-e’s ‘Pure Panel’ infotainment setup. The system is not quite Mercedes MBUX-slick, but the overall effect is upmarket and much more on par with rivals than older Vauxhalls. Plus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range. Interior quality is good almost everywhere; there are a few hard plastics, but Vauxhall has done well to make sure there are softer, more tactile materials in the places you're most likely to lay your hands.

Small SUVs are generally intended as a more practical alternative to superminis, so it's good news that the Mokka-e is more spacious and flexible than the Corsa-e, even when you take into account the space taken from the boot by the battery. The 310-litre load space is smaller than a petrol-engined Mokka's, but still beats the Corsa-e's 267-litre effort. Space in the rear seats is a bit tight for adults, however.

While the Mokka-e is capable of up to 11kW domestic charging, most will be limited by their household electricity supply to using a 7.4kW home wallbox, which should equate to seven hours for a full charge. But if you're caught short when out and about, the car's 100kW rapid charging capability means you can top up to 80% in just 30 minutes if you’re able to find a fast enough charger ‘in the wild’.

If you need a small electric car and love the way the Mokka-e looks, there are few reasons why you shouldn't add it to your test-drive list. It's not as practical as the Kia e-Niro, nor as futuristic-feeling as the Honda e, but it adds another sound choice to the pool of smaller, affordable electric cars on offer to UK buyers. For a more detailed look at the Vauxhall Mokka-e read on for the rest of our in-depth review...