What's all this about?
The Vauxhall Mokka is getting overhauled visually, and at the same time it receives a shiny new turbocharged petrol engine and some new badging - X.
So has it become the Vauxhall X?
No, don't be daft, it's now the Mokka X and it's an honorific that we'll see on future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles. Using 'X' to denote a 4x4, or 4x4-alike, is a new one. Well, except for BMW, of course. And, er, SEAT's X-Perience. And Volvo's range of XC models... oh, all right, we'll stop now.
Go on, then, what can you tell me about the Mokka X?
Styled by a design team led by British chap Mark Adams, the front end is substantially different from the pre-facelift model, thanks to the reshaped grille with the 'wing' logo on it and double-wing (there's a theme here...) LED daytime running lights. It's not hugely different in profile or at the rear, where the double-wing tail lights tie in with the front (LED technology an option), but as the Mokka has always been an attractive thing, these updates do it no harm. New colours, including Amber Orange and Lava Red, are also drafted in for the refreshed line-up.
And how about within?
Great news here, as it takes its inspiration from the new Astra, which has an excellent cabin. There's a redesigned centre console that has more horizontal forms, while the infotainment on board is controlled by either seven- or eight-inch touchscreens, allowing for the removal of physical buttons from the dash.
You mentioned a new engine earlier on - which one is it?
The 152hp direct injection turbocharged petrol four, again borrowed from the Astra Mk7. This start-stop-equipped unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and torque-on-demand all-wheel drive, leading to figures of 42.8mpg and 154g/km CO2 emissions. The superb 1.6-litre CDTi diesel continues, although it's still called the 'Whisper diesel' (cringe...).
Any other technology?
LED Adaptive Forward Headlamps, which can dip sections of their beam to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic, will be offered on the Mokka X, while Vauxhall's new OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant will be available from launch.
When will we see it in showrooms?
Following a Geneva show debut, it'll be in showrooms later in the year. The facelifted Mokka X should prove to be a hit with buyers, given nearly 100,000 have found homes in the UK already.
Matt Robinson - 4 Feb 2016
