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Vauxhall Mokka review - high on kit, low on thrills - Engine and gearbox

Vauxhall Mokka sells well but key rivals are better

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,590
  • Roomy, well-built, quiet 'Whisper Diesel' engine
  • Poor ride, inert steering, noisy petrol engines, can be pricey

Engine and gearbox

The Mokka comes with a choice of two petrol engines and a diesel with two power outputs. Drive can be delivered via two or four wheels and both are available with automatic and manual gearboxes.  

All engines are EU6 compliant and all are turbocharged bar the entry level 1.6-litre petrol. With only a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive available, the base 1.6i produces 113bhp and peak torque of 114lb ft at 4000rpm.

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Step up to the 1.4-litre turbo and there’s a choice of six-speed manual with two or four-wheel drive or six-speed automatic (front-wheel drive only). The current 1.4T makes 138bhp and 147lb ft between 1850-4900, though this will improve to 151bhp when the Mokka X arrives.

The ‘Whisper Diesel’ is a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit is available with outputs of 108bhp and 134bhp. The lower powered unit makes 221lb ft at 2000 to 2250rpm and the higher makes a useful 236lb ft from 2000- to 2250rpm. A new six-speed manual, 1.6 CDTi with 108bhp will be available when the Mokka X debuts, which should bring further benefits in refinement and economy.

The higher powered 1.6 diesel can be had as a front-wheel drive manual, front-wheel drive auto or 4x4 manual. The lower powered unit only comes in front-wheel drive manual form.

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