Vauxhall's new Mokka-e SUV gets electric power and bold new styling

The Vauxhall Mokka has been ultra-popular across Europe, being one of the big volume sellers in the up swell of the popularity of 'soft-roaders'. We already knew that the new generation car was getting an electric powertrain, but now we have the details of that, as well as photos of the car's bold new styling.

When we first knew that an electric Vauxhall Mokka-e was definitely on the way back in April, it stated that the car was set to “change people's perception of the brand”. Now, Vauxhall has revealed the all-new Mokka in its entirety.

“New Mokka is the start of a new direction for the Vauxhall Brand. A bold new design with elements like Vauxhall Vizor and Pure Panel that will become part of signature look for future models. It also encompasses everything that Vauxhall will define in the future. Fully electric from launch and packed with innovative technologies bringing the best of automotive mobility to all,” said Stephen Normal, MD of Vauxhall Motors.

New Mokka is an important car for Vauxhall then, with much pinned on it for the brands near future. It is also built on the trusty CMP modular platform which is underpinning an increasing array of PSA Group cars – including direct rivals like the Peugeot e-2008 – so how does it stack up?

Powertrain, battery and charging

We won't dwell for too long on the powertrain as it is the same setup that is found in the rest of PSA Group's EV range such as the aforementioned Peugeot e-2008, the e-208, Corsa-e and most recently, the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer and Vauxhall Vivaro-e. This means we get a 134bhp, 192lb-ft motor driving the front wheels, providing a top speed of 93mph and 0-60mph in around 9 seconds.

The battery is the regular 50kWh unit which is guaranteed for eight years and 100,000 miles. On the WLTP test the new Mokka-e is good for 201 miles in Normal mode, whilst in Eco mode (which reduces power and turns off some functions like air conditioning) should see a few extra miles added to the range. Sport mode will conversely knock some miles off.

Charging can be undertaken at a maximum input of 100kW DC which means the new Mokka electric can be juiced to 80 per cent in around half an hour. Domestic wall boxes at 7.4kW AC will charge the car in eight hours, whilst a common 11kW AC will do so in five hours.

Exterior styling

Whilst the very fact that such a popular, high-volume car is gaining an electric powertrain is news in itself, we reckon it's the Mokka's styling that will grab many of the headlines. It is the first Vauxhall to use the brand's new 'Vauxhall Vizor' which defines the front end of the car, giving it a muscular and defined look. It also seamlessly frames first-in-segment, glare-free IntelliLux LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.

We really do think it looks good – squat, broad and far more interesting than the first generation car or many of its C-segment SUV contemporaries.

In terms of dimensions, the new Mokka is 12.5cm shorter than the old car despite a very slightly longer wheelbase (+2mm). Overhangs have been slashed front and rear (-61mm and -66mm respectively) whilst it has gained 10mm in width. This serves to make the car much more resolved in profile by giving it a hunkered down look which makes the most of the new 18 inch wheels.

Vauxhall Design Vice President, Mark Adams, reckons the car “shows athletic proportions combined with precisely structured, flowing surfaces”. If the brand carries this look over to its other models, the new generation of Luton's finest should stand out among the competition.

Interior styling and technology

New brand styling details continue on the inside of the new Mokka. Two screens of up to 10 and 12 inches in size make up a central infotainment control panel and driver's display. The central screen is slightly tilted towards the driver for ease of use. Air vents are sunken so they are incorporated more subtly into the dashboard and the centre console has had the minimalist treatment to continue that slick look. A storage tray in the centre console provides wireless phone charging, whilst all infotainment systems incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control.

Vauxhall has incorporated a host of standard and optional tech which is taken from the segment above to give the new Mokka-e a more premium feel. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go makes driving in traffic a doddle, whilst automatic lane positioning, traffic sign recognition and an optional 180 degree camera makes day-to-day life with the car that little bit safer and more convenient.

Price and availability

Vauxhall has confirmed the price for the new Mokka-e as starting at £30,840 for the SE Nav Premium model after the plug-in car grant has been applied. In this trim it gets 16 inch alloys, a seven inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lights, automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, as well as navigation with the various integrations with the charging network. A Launch Edition Mokka-e gets all the bells and whistles as well as a Park & Go pack with advanced park assist, and a full leather interior.

Order books are open already and deliveries will commence in April 2021.