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.
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