• Functional interior isn’t particularly stylish
• All buttons and dials are easy to read and use however
• Ergonomics spoiled by significant blind spots
• Read the Vauxhall Mokka used car buying guide

Being sat behind the wheel of the Mokka X is a firmly functional affair. There’s a good level of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel (the latter including rake and reach) and the general driving position is in line with other small SUVs.

The major buttons are easy to use, but not particularly attractive nor do they feel in any way premium. The same can be said for the dials which, although clear, look seriously dated. Further down the cabin is the cheap and nasty feeling manual handbrake lever and automatic gearstick (if fitted) – the latter is made out of hard plastics and isn’t exactly a joy to use.

Straight ahead visibility is reasonable – despite the high dashboard – but both the A- and B-pillars are quite thick, creating potential blind spots on roundabouts and motorways.

Graphics on the black and white digital dashboard display are primitive but clear, while the infotainment system is reasonably responsive and benefits from a handful of well-placed physical buttons.

Comfort

• Jittery ride quality could be better
• Front seats won’t suit everyone
• Good levels of adjustment, though

You would expect a high-sided family SUV to ride with ample composure and flexibility, yet, unfortunately, the Mokka X fails on both counts. The suspension feels firmer than it should and translates bumps and judders into the cabin with disappointing frequency. Admittedly it stops short of being harsh or crashy, yet there’s always the feeling that the suspension fails to ever settle properly over poor road surfaces.

Road noise levels are also at the upper end of acceptability and can be intrusive when travelling across rough sections of tarmac.

The seats do a decent job in terms of outright comfort, but depending on your height and body shape can be awkward to sit in. They feel a touch overstuffed too, plus there’s little in the way of side support – not that you’ll likely be haring around bends.

One impressive aspect, though, is the level of adjustability in the front seats, capable of accommodating a wide range of driving positions. There’s even a neat fold-down armrest, which, providing you can get comfortable, give the driver’s seat an armchair-like feel.