Vauxhall Mokka SUV (2012-2016) - Interior & comfort

The Vauxhall Mokka is a bit of a mixed bag inside. On the one hand, there’s plenty of big-car kit fitted as standard on all versions, the extensive amount of front seat adjustment means you can quickly and easily find your ideal driving position, and (despite being one of the oldest cars in this class) the Mokka is still one of the most practical compact crossovers on sale.

On the other hand, the cabin’s seemingly solid build quality is let down by some hard, cheap-feeling plastics, as well as the cluttered layout of buttons on the centre console, which could prove tricky to use on the move.

Vauxhall Mokka dashboard

The Vauxhall Mokka’s interior doesn’t stand up particularly well to close scrutiny. Although overall build quality appears to be fairly solid, the plastics used don’t feel particularly pleasant to touch and certainly lag behind the materials used in the cabins of rivals like the Skoda Yeti and Kia Sportage.

It’s also quite drab to look at, even with the silver trim pieces dotted around the dashboard, and starting to show its age. The ergonomics of the centre console are pretty disappointing, too – the buttons are small and fussily laid-out, so you may find them difficult to use while driving.

Thankfully, the main dashboard gauges are clear and easy to read, while many features controlled from the centre console (such as the stereo volume) can also be operated using the multifunction steering wheel.

The seats in the Vauxhall Mokka also deserve some praise. They offer decent support and have plenty of adjustability, making it easy for you and your passengers to get comfortable.

Equipment

One of the Vauxhall Mokka’s best attributes is the impressive amount of kit that comes as standard. Even the entry-level Exclusiv model offers a wide array of technology and features, with particular highlights being cruise control, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, DAB digital radio and windscreen wipers that adjust their speed in relation to how heavily it’s raining.

Moving up to the mid-range Tech Line trim gets you even more gadgets, such as satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone connectivity, while the top-spec SE model adds leather upholstery and power-adjustable heated front seats. However, for most buyers, Exclusiv includes all the gizmos a family car really needs. The higher trim levels only serve to bump up the purchase price significantly (especially when you remember the Mokka is already a fairly expensive crossover). 

What makes the Mokka really impressive is that some rival entry-level models have much less equipment as standard – a similarly specified Skoda Yeti costs quite a bit more. However, that’s countered in some instances by a substantially lower asking price, as is the case with the Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport.

Options

Quite a few extras are offered to Mokka buyers, ranging from practical touches such as a cargo net on the boot floor and parking sensors to things that don’t add much to the ownership experience, such as a sporty VXR styling package. 

Most of what you’ll need is included as standard on at least one of the three trim levels, so for the most part we’d recommend leaving the car as it is. However, if you’re a cycling enthusiast, it’s worth looking at Vauxhall’s clever FlexFix bike carrier. This tilts to make accessing the boot easier and – with the exception of the part that holds the bicycles in place – can be stored in the tailgate when not in use.