• All-new digital instrumentation and touchscreen
• Lots of new tech, borrowed from Peugeot
• Good driving position and view forwards

How is the quality and layout?

Acceptable. Vauxhalls tend to be quite drab inside, but overall they’re well screwed together from decent materials. The Mokka is different, because although it has plenty of Vauxhall controls such as the column stalks and steering wheel, you don’t need to look far to find Peugeot-sourced switches and components.

Crucially, there are still physical controls for the heating and stereo. These are much easier to use than the touch sensitive ones that are becoming so common (we’re looking at you Volkswagen T-Roc) or having to delve into the infotainment system like the Peugeot 2008.

If you’re thinking that Vauxhall quality would take a dive following French ownership of the company, you need not worry as Peugeots are adequately plush these days. The switches and buttons are all chunky and the trim and materials generally feel good. Of course, if you go looking for scratchy plastics and flimsy materials, you’ll find those lower down in the cabin, where you’re much less likely to encounter them in daily ownership. Even so, an Audi Q2 or Peugeot 2008 feel even plusher.

The view out of the front is good, there’s a nice view over the bonnet, and the driving position is very agreeable – it’s easy for you to get comfortable in. The seat is multi-adjustable and the steering wheel can be set for reach as well as height. The seats are supportive in the SRi version, and we had no grumbles in terms of comfort or room.

The controls are light and positive in action, with an accurate gearchange and pedals. As well as on-screen controls, the Mokka features physical rotary knobs for the heating and ventilation system, as well as for controlling the volume of the stereo.

Infotainment and tech

The biggest change that existing Mokka X owners will find is the new digital display dashboard, which is generously sized at 12.0-inches on higher trims. There are different display modes to choose from which complement the central screen for the infotainment system, combining to create what Vauxhall calls its ‘Pure Panel’.

As well as supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the built-in sat-nav system is fast and easy to use, and has come a long way from what came with the outgoing Mokka X. We’ve yet to try the entry-level 7.0-inch touchscreen, but the 10.0-inch set-up in the SRi Nav Premium and Elite Nav Premium is very good indeed, being clear and easy to use. An Audi Q2, rotary controlled system is easier to use on the move, though.

Comfort

• Suspension has been tuned for comfort
• But not at the expense of handling
• Wind noise is acceptable at speed

As you’ll read later in this review, Vauxhall’s engineers have done a good job of giving this car a distinct and slightly firmer suspension set-up over the Peugeot 2008 it’s so closely related to.

So, ride quality isn’t bad – we think Vauxhall has tuned the suspension underneath marginally better (whisper it) than the 2008. It’s less wallowy, although some may prefer the Audi Q2’s blend of comfort and control more, while the Skoda Kamiq is the most supple small SUV of them all. 

As for seat comfort and wind noise, both are about average for a small family car, although the SRi we’ve driven has sporty-looking seats that offer bags of support.