Vauxhall Mokka-e – boxing clever

WHATEVER people’s concerns may be over embracing electric vehicles, the undeniable fact is that they are getting better by the day.

For instance among the principal fears is that of range anxiety, yet in the last 10 years the real world distance one of the UK’s best-selling electric cars can travel on a fully charged battery has actually more than doubled.

A model that comfortably exceeds that mark is also one of the most eye-catching models on the EV scene, the new Vauxhall Mokka-e SUV.

I say eye-catching because among the colours available is a dazzling Mamba Green, which sounds yucky but suits the shape and style of the Mokka perfectly, especially when combined with the black roof of our tested version.

Even tucked away in a densely packed car park, the Vauxhall takes a matter of seconds to locate.

The Mokka-e features a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100kW (136PS) electric motor providing an official drive distance of 201 miles on a single charge, though our own return was closer to 186 miles.

Owners can choose between three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – each not only altering throttle and steering response but also the amount of available power and torque.

Performance figures of 0-60 in 8.7 seconds and a potential top speed of 93mph may not sound much but the Mokka-e is nonetheless a lively and enjoyable car to use around the suburbs, city or on the motorway.

For many, charging remains a bugbear and unless you have a home wallbox will remain so. I plugged in at a well-known supermarket and a full hour of charging only added 17 miles to the existing range.

That’s because many public points, in my area at least, are low power. Some, like the one we used for a blast while shopping, are as low as 7kW and many more are of 22kW. Even using the latter will take five hours five minutes for a full charge.

There are some rapid chargers around that give an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes from a 100kW point or 45 minutes from a 50kw unit, but you may have to travel or queue.

This is no doubt one of the reasons why Vauxhall is offering Mokka-e buyers – and that includes cars bought on personal contract purchase or hire terms – a free home Pulsar Plus wallbox and 30,000 free green miles of electricity on orders placed by October 5.

The offer gives access to an exclusive British gas tariff, fixed until the end of August 2024, including an off-peak rate between midnight and 5.00am, making it cheaper to charge the car overnight.

And that task can be completed efficiently as drivers can delay the charging process until the time they want through the MyVauxhall app or via the car’s centre console.

Otherwise the Mokka-e really puts the previous generation model in the shade with its fresh Vizor front end and new Griffin badge, both of which will feature on all future Vauxhall cars.

Its new aerodynamic design also cuts drag by up to 16 per cent at motorway speeds compared to the previous model, again making it more dynamic to drive.

Inside, the Mokka-e is simply laid out and smart, nicely finished and has plenty of tech, all featuring a multimedia system with Bluetooth, DAB radio, hands-free calls via the steering wheel, SMS read-out and reply, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Buyers also get a full suite of safety kit.

Rear space sees two adult passengers able to travel comfortably, three at a push, while the 310-litre boot, better than some of the Mokka-e’s main rivals, extends to 1,060 litres with the rear seats down.

Our Elite Nav Premium trim grade, third highest of the four spec levels, adds items like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 17-inch bi-colour alloys plus skid plates and rain-sensitive windscreen wipers.

As is the case with most electric cars, price remains an issue compared to hybrid, petrol or diesel – a 1.2-litre turbo petrol-powered 100PS Mokka in Elite Nav Premium trim costs £24,225 while the equivalent Mokka-e comes in at £32,080 even after the £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant the Government gives to vehicle dealerships and manufacturers.