The thoroughly modern Mokka certainly cuts a dash in the car park, but what’s it like to drive and live with. Massimo Pini reports on Vauxhall’s latest compact SUV.

As model replacements go, the latest Vauxhall Mokka’s is truly transformational. Built from the ground up using PSA platforms and technology, out goes the stodgy, lumpy school custard of the old and in comes the most sharp-tasting and delicious of desserts delivered by the MasterChef himself, aka Opel/Vauxhall design chief, Mark Adams.

The all-new Mokka is the start of a new design language from Vauxhall, with the new ‘Vizor’ face up front, tabbed, Land Rover-style wheelarches and crisp, sleek lines.

At just over four metres long, it has the footprint of a Corsa but rides higher and is undoubtedly the best-looking Vauxhall for some time. A view clearly shared by the lady in the Waitrose car park – a complete stranger – who stopped my wife to ask her what car she was driving, remarking upon how attractive it was and asking her if it was any good.

It’s particularly striking in SRi trim with its red window stripe, black roof, discreet black badging and 18in bi-colour alloys, although, on reflection – as cool as it looks – the black Vauxhall badge rather disappears into the front grille in the ‘Visor’ so I’m in two minds as to whether that’s a great branding move or not.

And the design changes don’t stop there. Inside, Adams’ new ‘Pure Panel’ mantra is all about keeping clutter to a minimum, and creating a thoroughly modern display panel — housing 12in and 10in screens on higher-spec models — combined with simple buttons and switches where required. Trim quality is very good.

Our SRi Nav Premium test car had supportive seats, with chunky side bolsters and plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat. Interior space is adequate for the class but taller passengers may find it a pinch for legroom in the rear. All-round visibility is good.

The boot space of 350 litres is merely adequate and there’s a movable boot floor for added versatility but the Mokka is bested by its key rival the Ford Puma in this area.

Vauxhall offers a choice of two 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines (99bhp and 127bhp – the latter available with an eight-speed auto as fitted to our test car) and a 1.5-litre diesel. There’s also the all-electric Mokka e, with a 50kWh battery and 134bhp.

The petrol engine was much the same as the one fitted to the Citroën C4 we had on test the previous week. It’s a feisty, characterful unit with a pleasantly distinctive three-cylinder thrum.

When mated to the eight-speed automatic, gearchanges are smooth in auto mode and can be controlled by pressing the ‘M’ button on the shifter – or using the Mokka’s wheel-mounted flappy paddles.

It feels taut and nippy around town and cruises nicely on motorways, accelerating from rest to 60mph in 9.2 seconds up to a top speed of 124mph. 

Ride quality is generally good although the 18-inch wheels fitted to our test car may have contributed to some jitteriness over poorer surfaces.

Handling is impressive for a car in this class and enthusiastic drivers will enjoy the superb steering, body control and grip when pressing on along winding country roads – especially when switching into Sport mode.

A more cautious approach will be more rewarding at the petrol pumps as the Mokka is capable of an average up to 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 137g/km. 

The new Vauxhall Mokka SRi Nav Premium petrol version as tested, costs £27,450 (£27,770 with extra White Jade paint). 

Comparing this new Mokka to the outgoing model is like chalk and cheese. The new car has showroom appeal in spades, backed up by on-road capability and decent practicality. It’s sure to be a winner with buyers.