2023 (23) Vauxhall Mokka 100kW Ultimate 50kWh 5dr Auto

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

In theory, the electric version of Vauxhall's Mokka ticks a lot of boxes. Small, fashionable SUVs are the market's primary growth area at present. And of course, everyone's talking about EVs. In its original 2020-launch form, this one offered trendy looks, proven underpinnings and a drivetrain claiming up to 209 miles of range. Here, we look at the pre-facelift 2020-2024-era version of this model.

History

Back in 2020, Vauxhall was fully committed to the full-electric revolution. By then, we'd already had the Corsa-e supermini and EV versions of the Vauxhall's Vivaro and Combo Life People Carriers. Then there was this car, the Mokka-e small SUV, which the Griffin brand hoped would be their most important EV yet. The looks and the cabin architecture (both a big step forward from previous Mokka models) were of course bespoke to Vauxhall but just about everything else here we'd seen before. In the Corsa-e and in the two Stellantis Group small crossover models that shared this one's engineering, the Peugeot e-2008 and the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE. The Mokka-e was re-named the Mokka Electric in late 2022, then sold in its original form until late-2024, when it was significantly facelifted. It's the pre-facelift version though, that we look at here.

What You Get

There aren't any significant visual changes marking this electric Mokka apart from its fossil-fuelled showroom stablemates, so unless your neighbours spot the charging flap, the lack of an exhaust pipe or the special badging, you're going to be able to complete your switch into EV motoring without attracting any undue attention. This MK2 Mokka design certainly has more assertive front end treatment, highlighted by the so-called 'Vauxhall Visor' look, made up of bold nose treatment featuring ultra-slim LED daytime running lights. Behind the wheel, this Gallic-influenced design is of course nothing like the previous Korean-sourced Mokka models. There are no conventional gauges: just a digital instrument display (7 or 12-inches depending on spec), which works in conjunction with a central infotainment monitor (either 7 or 10-inches in size depending on trim) which is angled towards the driver. The layout uses what is called 'Pure Panel' design to make the two screens look like one long display. Predictably, materials quality is of a much higher grade than the old model. But space in the back isn't much different. It's much better than you get in a Corsa, but that's not saying much. Other segment rivals offer more legroom - though not that much more. The 310-litre boot is 40-litres smaller than the combustion-engined Mokka model. Fold the rear bench and there's 1,060-litres of capacity.

What to Look For

Most electric Mokka buyers we came across seemed satisfied. But inevitably there were a few issues. We've heard of issues with the electric power steering system caused by a malfunctioning steering rack or pump. You also need to thoroughly check the infotainment system, which has been known to develop issues, freezing or crashing without warning. This can be caused by software glitches, which require the set-up to be updated or reset. You might also find the central screen has slow response times, which can be due to an overloaded processor or insufficient memory. A few owners reported issues with the sound quality from the speakers, caused by problems with speaker wiring. We've heard problems with the air conditioning system not cooling properly during hot weather conditions. This can be due to a faulty compressor, a refrigerant leak or a blocked condenser. Some owners have also reported problems with the central locking system malfunctioning. Otherwise, it's just the usual things; check the interior for child scrapes - and the wheels and rear bumpers for parking scratches. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history. Obviously, you'll need to check the charging system. If the car won't charge, it could be a problem with your home electrics (or those at the public charge point you're using). Check the charge light to make sure that electricity really is going through the charge port. And make sure there really is charge in the socket you're using to power from - plug something else into it to see - say, your 'phone. If that charges OK, it could be that your charging cable is demanding too much power, so try another power source. Another problem could be that the circuit may have tripped due to a circuit overload. Or perhaps there could be a problem with the charge cable: this needs to be cared for properly. Repeatedly driving over it (as previous owners may conceivably have done) will damage it eventually. Make sure you do a charge-up before signing for the car you're looking at. When you do this, make sure that when you plug in to start the charge cycle you hear the charge port and the cable locking and engaging as they should; that's all part of the charger basically confirming with the car's onboard computer that everything's good to go before releasing power. But if the charging cable fails to lock as it should, then that won't happen. If there is a failure to lock, the issue could be actuator failure, caused by a blown fuse.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2023 Mokka Electric excl. VAT) Front brake pads vary in price between £16-£31 for a set; rear pads are around £46. For front brake discs, think around £33-£100 for a pair. A door mirror glass is about £18; a door mirror indicator about £22.

On the Road

A click on the start button is accompanied by a beep and an illumination of the instrument panel that includes a green 'Ready' signal. It doesn't feel quite as urgent away from rest as its Corsa-e showroom stablemate, but it's not slow; 62mph from rest takes 9.2s. It does share all the same mechanicals you'll find in the earliest version of that EV supermini though, a 50kWh lithium-ion battery mated to a 100kW electric motor putting out 136PS and working through the usual single-speed auto transmission you get with EVs. Like all Electric Vehicles, this one has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk, but that arguably helps the electric Mokka when it comes to ride quality; you'll feel things like speed humps keenly but at speed on the open road, it handles tarmac tears a little better than its combustion cousins. For the original version, Vauxhall claimed an operating range of 209 miles, though you'll only get near that if you engage a rather restrictive 'Eco' drive setting that drops power output right down to 83PS. You certainly won't achieve anything like that kind of range if you get anywhere near this EV's quoted 93mph top speed. Or if you habitually drive your electric Mokka in the 'Sport' setting that'll be necessary to release to full 136PS power output just mentioned. There's very light steering (which you'll need to get used to). And a button to increase brake regeneration (which will charge the battery as you brake or cruise and eke out that all-important driving range).

Overall

It's hard to recognise this generation Mokka from the Korean MK1 design launched back in 2012 that trundled around on an old fashioned chassis and used thirsty petrol engines. This Mokka B design was a thoroughly modern product - and this electric version demonstrated just how modern. There's just enough driving range to be practical, just enough style to fit in at the gym and just enough value to make the switch to an EV possible on monthly finance. Just enough of everything then, for Vauxhall to get a toe-hold in this important sector.