Vauxhall Mokka hybrid is a smarter, greener & better equipped version of old motor… but small detail really lets it down

Business Mayor

07-05-2025

THE Vauxhall Mokka is now four years old. Which means it's time for a facelift.
Most mass-produced cars are renewed every seven or eight years as a rule, with a subtle nip-and-tuck halfway through.
4 The new Vauxhall Mokka has a bigger 54kWh battery that'll do 250 miles and a 156hp e-motor driving the front wheels Credit: Supplied
4 There's no chrome trim anywhere. That's been binned off. The rear skid plate is now body-coloured. It looks tidy Credit: Supplied
4 Twin 10in display screens are now standard. They weren't before. There's a cleaner, less-cluttered, three-spoke steering wheel Credit: Supplied
It keeps them fresh.
The idea being, 'Your current PCP deal is about to end, Mr Walker, so how about we put you in a better car for the same monthly price?'
Many people do.
So let's discuss the upgraded Mokka crossover, basically a Corsa on stilts.
Mokka was actually the first Vauxhall to wear the black visor – think motorcycle helmet visor – that integrates the headlights, Griffin badge and sensors into one element. Every model has it now.
The new-for-2025 Mokka has reworked LED lights front and back with three blocks on the outer edges. First seen on the new Frontera.
There's no chrome trim anywhere. That's been binned off.
The rear skid plate is now body-coloured. It looks tidy.
Twin 10in display screens are now standard.
They weren't before.
Rob Gill takes the Vauxhall Mokka coffee bar to the Peak District to give out free drinks
There's a cleaner, less-cluttered, three-spoke steering wheel.
The seat fabrics are made from 100 per cent recycled materials, if that's important to you.
The poshest Ultimate trim has a massage function.
The most significant update is under the hood.
The 100hp 1.2-litre turbo petrol has been axed.
So the 136hp version is now your starting point at £26k.
I'd point you towards the new £28k Hybrid which adds a 28hp e-motor and 48-volt technology to improve performance and efficiency.
Another 8mpg over the regular petrol. So quite significant.
The auto gearbox is smooth and easy and feels like a cheat code in town.
Not great at parking?
The new HD rear-view camera has got your back.
Vauxhall is working hard to tempt drivers to switch to electric and Mokka E is now £4k cheaper, starting at £33k.
Mind you, it needed a price cut with the battery-powered Ford Puma finally entering the ring at similar money.
4 The new-for-2025 Mokka has reworked LED lights front and back with three blocks on the outer edges Credit: Supplied
Mokka has a bigger 54kWh battery that'll do 250 miles and a 156hp e-motor driving the front wheels.
But I do have a complaint.
The boot button.
Are you kidding me?
Some muppet positioned it down low in the number plate recess which always gets mucky.
Which means your fingers always get mucky.
That needs fixing when Mokka is completely overhauled in another three years' time.