Should you buy one?

• Read the Vauxhall Mokka used car buying guide

We’d struggle to recommend this car outright – but lots of people do rate it, and as such, you shouldn’t completely rule out this car. The Mokka X sells well thanks to its keen pricing, strong kit levels, large dealer network, great brand presence and smart exterior styling. However, it’s not the most accomplished offering out there mainly due to its uncomfortable ride quality, high-emission petrol engines, dull drive and cheap-feeling cabin.

If you are heading towards your local Vauxhall dealer, then the question comes down to which one is best for you. Mid-spec Design Nav trim balances list price with equipment, and offers a good range of kit for potential buyers. Elite-trim cars look good on paper, but aren’t as comparatively good value as lesser specs.

The 1.6-litre and higher-powered 1.4-litre petrols are best left alone (the latter’s depreciation will be eye-watering), so head towards either a 140hp 1.4-litre petrol or either of the diesels. However, it needs to be highlighted that it’s not just the top-end 1.4-litre petrol which will lose its value quickly. The entire Mokka range has lacklustre residual values and prospective buyers should consider this carefully before taking the plunge.

Also, be sure to look around for potential deals and don’t be afraid to haggle if there aren’t any that suit you. Vauxhall dealers should be flexible on price in most circumstances so use this to your advantage. The cheapest Mokka X is the 1.6-litre petrol – but we’d avoid this engine at all costs. For lowest running costs, head for the 110hp 1.6-litre CDTi.

Either diesel engine will do nicely for company car drivers, with both the 110hp and 136hp variants returning good fuel economy and producing relatively-low emissions The Mokka X probably isn’t the car for you if you’re after something sporty. Quickest out of the blocks, however, is the 152hp 1.4-litre Turbo petrol.

As a well-equipped family wagon for taking kids and adults from A to B it’ll do the job, but there are others – such as the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, SEAT Arona – which will do it better. We’d buy a Volkswagen T-Cross, though, and although it costs more, better resale values mean that monthly deals are very similar. And given the choice, which would you have?

Find out how the Vauxhall Mokka X fares against the Nissan Juke as a used buy