Vauxhall Mokka-e first drive

Zap-Map verdict: “Vauxhall’s Mokka-e is sure to sell in big numbers. A good range, quick recharging times, and all-round appeal will make the electric crossover a regular sight on UK roads.”

Vauxhall Mokka-e: Range & charging

Vauxhall is continuing to roll-out its electric model range at pace, with the new Mokka the latest to get the EV treatment. The Vauxhall Mokka-e looks to establish a pure-electric choice for crossover buyers considering the brand, offered alongside petrol and diesel models just as the Vauxhall Corsa-e is. This option for buyers to go electric with no compromise over ‘conventional’ models is likely to win over buyers who wouldn’t ordinarily consider an EV.

There is one configuration available:

• • ● Vauxhall Mokka-e – 100 kW – 50 kWh – 201 miles

Range

Vauxhall’s official WLTP driving range for the Mokka-e is 201 miles on a charge. It sits alongside other group stablemates in this regard, which is unsurprising considering the likes of the Peugeot e-2008 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense use the same platform and powertrain.

On this first drive event, there wasn’t the opportunity to really push the range, but it held up relatively well during the 50-mile run. Incorporating town driving in and around Coventry, a good motorway run, and country roads, the Mokka-e ended with a calculated range of around 155 miles on a charge. It’s not particularly close to the official figure, but I’ve found that the Vauxhall Corsa-e struggled in a similar manner.

It must be said that there was a fair proportion of high speed work in the run, and the event was held on a cold day in early February, but I’d stand by the calculation – at least until we have had the chance to test the Mokka-e more thoroughly. Although it’s not a considerable range, the Mokka-e will certainly cover the needs of most drivers, and thanks to it’s charging set-up, even long trips will be simple.

Braking

Vauxhall’s brake energy recuperation system is a simple choice between D and B settings. The braking strength even in B isn’t enough to allow for ‘one-pedal’ driving, but it does offer fairly strong brake regen. There’s no option for a stronger setting to allow the Mokka-e to come to a stop just on brake energy recuperation alone, nor is there the ability to toggle through different strengths. Both systems can be found on other available electric models. Although it’s not the most efficient set-up, it works pretty well.

Charging

Vauxhall has included an 11 kW AC on-board charger as standard on the Mokka-e, and 100 kW DC charging capabilities. As such, around half an hour on an ultra-rapid point will get the Vauxhall’s charge up to 80%, or around 5 hours on a three-phase 11 kW point for a full charge. All charging is carried out through the CCS inlet, found on the rear flank.

The Vauxhall Mokka-e on the road

The Mokka-e has been well engineered as a mass-market model. There are going to be a large number of buyers interested in the Mokka-e, so Vauxhall has designed the drive, ride and handling to suit as broad a church of people as possible. As such, the Vauxhall doesn’t excel anywhere, but it does a fine job of offering a well-rounded driving experience.

What’s the Vauxhall Mokka-e like to drive?

The ride is comfortable, particularly on open roads, though it can crash somewhat over harsh surfaces. It’s the stiffness in the springs to keep the body under control when cornering, as there’s relatively little lean in bends. Otherwise, thanks in part to the hushed electric powertrain, the Mokka-e is a refined performer.

In terms of performance, for the full electric vehicle effect, driver will need to keep their Mokka-e in Sport mode. This unlocks the fill 100 kW of the electric motor, whereas Normal reduces output to 80 kW, and Eco to 60 kW. In Normal, the Mokka-e has a reasonable amount of performance, but nothing to get excited about. Even the full 100 kW isn’t gong to interest sportier drivers, but the instant response available makes for an eager driving experience when required.

Vauxhall Mokka-e: Comfort & Practicality

The Vauxhall Vizor is first found on the Mokka and Mokka-e, kicking off the start of a new design language for the British brand. It’s a pretty good one too, with sharp creases, well coordinated surfacing, and a series of bold colour pallets to help drivers stand out from the crowd.

Design and functionality

It’s reasonably practical too, with a good level of boot space and head room for occupants. Leg space is not the roomiest in the class, but neither is it the smallest, and the Mokka-e looks to be practical enough to deal with life as a family workhorse. Those up front get good levels of space all round, and the driver – in higher-spec models at least – gets a large digital instrument binnacle to go alongside the 10-inch touchscreen system.

Vauxhall Mokka-e: Tech & Specifications

There are four trim levels at launch – SE Nav Premium, SRi Nav Premium, Elite Nav Premium, and Launch Edition. Currently, all buyers will get the following as standard kit on the entry level SE Nav Premium specification:

1. Satnav
2. 10-inch touchscreen navigation system with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
3. 17-inch alloys
4. Rear parking sensors & parking camera
5. Keyless start
6. Climate control
7. LED headlights
8. Digital driver’s instruments panel

Vauxhall needed to get this car right, and it really looks as though they have. The pricing is a little high to tempt most buyers looking at a car like the Mokka, but offered the option of an EV version. Still, it’s very competitively priced in its class, and offers a good combination of decent driving range and quick charging times for usability even on long trips. It combines a number of excellent features found on the latest Vauxhall models, with an added dash of desirability thanks to the new design.

And how much is the road tax on a Vauxhall Mokka-e? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.


 

The Vauxhall Mokka-e’s rivals

All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.