The Mokka, Vauxhall‘s new baby crossover, kicks off at below £16,000 with the 1.6-litre petrol model in the fleet-attractive Tech Line specification. However, the 115hp car is an example of when a lesser price can end up costing more, as the whole-life cost for the 1.7 CDTi diesel, which is £2320 more expensive, comes out 1.7p per mile cheaper. That’s mainly because this entry model’s emissions are 153g/km, compared with 120g/km for the diesel, while the latter’s RVs are better too. For business users, the entry model’s 1.6 petrol engine just isn’t as sensible a choice as the admittedly unrefined but more cost-effective diesel.

The 1.6 petrol is also a lacklustre engine on the road, needing a severe stoking to provoke significant progress. But as a car, the Mokka compares well overall with Nissan‘s Juke on running costs and practicality, even if it’s not as characterful to look at or drive.

Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line 1.6 115hp
P11D price £15,770
Model price range £15,770-£23,435
Residual value 36.8%
CO2 (tax) 153g/km (21%)
BIK 20/40% per month £55/£110
Service interval 20,000miles
Insurance (1-50) group 5
Warranty first owner/100,000mls
Boot space min/max 356/1372 litres
Engine size/power 1598cc/115hp
Top speed/0-62mph 108mph/12.3secs
On sale Late 2012
Score 6/10
Verdict Low P11D but other
models are a better
bet overall