Vauxhall Mokka SRi Nav Premium 1.2 – long-term review

So far the Mokka has impressed with its agility around town and its refined motorway manners. The time had come for a journey of some considerable length on A- and B-roads to see if it induces numbbumitis or any other car-related conditions of discomfort.

Thus it was that the Vauxhall was stuffed full of bags and coats and boots and made ready for a nigh-on 500-mile excursion. Initially, there was concern about the bobbiliness of the ride, but that was soon dispelled once we realised that, in fact, the road surface was to blame, being as it was rougher than the Jezero Crater where Perseverance landed on Mars. That’s just what happens to a trunk road used heavily by articulated lorries thundering towards a busy port.

Fuel efficiency improved markedly during the trip, mainly due to said lorries keeping traffic at a very steady 50–60mph. This enforced sedateness gave plenty of opportunity to poke around the cabin and find things to delight and distress. Distress first: the glovebox is way too small – the manual doesn’t even fit, and my Colin the Caterpillar sweets had to be stuffed right in.

That's a hangover from this car's French origins: Peugeot-Citroen can't be bothered to move the bulky fusebox for right-hand drive, so British-spec Peugeots, Citroens and indeed now Vauxhalls get half a glovebox. Tsk.

Now delight: actual heating controls you can twist and use when driving. Take note, Peugeot, with your touchscreens.

Also well-marked driver ‘aid’ controls, which are easily switched on or off. Excellent supportive and comfortable (and wonderfully heated) seats. Intuitive steering wheel controls for phone etc. Essentially it all works well and causes no stress. This makes the driver and passengers very happy.

In other Mokka news, when parked up in my local town recently, I was asked by a guy what make the car is. I pointed out it was a Vauxhall to the astonishment of my fellow car park user. “I never would have guessed; what a difference from a few years ago,” he mused.

A fair point... from doldrums to winner of our Design of the Year award. Good work, Vauxhall.