A small, trendy little SUV model can also be a practical choice. If you doubt that, take a drive in Vauxhall's Mokka X.

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Vauxhall's Mokka X was the first model to introduce the 'X' segment identifier for Vauxhall SUVs and sits between the Crossland X and the Grandland X in the company's current range. It's versatile, capable and practical, plus it comes with impressive connectivity, a smart cabin and the option of the kind of 4WD system that's often lacking in this sector.

Background
Vauxhall's Mokka has done good business for the Griffin brand in its growing compact SUV Crossover segment. Over half a million examples of this Korean built contender have found homes across Europe since its original launch in 2013. But time moves on and so has the competition. This car faces a much stronger challenge now than it did at its original launch. Hence the introduction in 2016 of the Mokka X model range we're going to look at here.

The changes made to create this Mokka X design from the original Mokka model weren't too far reaching. Buyers got a smarter front end, plus inside, an upgraded cabin which features Vauxhall's clever 'OnStar' connectivity system. Under the bonnet, the car gets the brand's efficient, 1.6-litre CDTi 'whisper diesel' engine, plus a perky 1.4-litre petrol unit. A Vauxhall then, that is in every way a car of its time, very much chiming with the new face of a changing brand. Let's try it.

Driving Experience
Mokka X buyers are people likely to be enthusiasts for life rather than for cars. So they may not care that this car isn't quite as sharp and wieldy as a rival Nissan Juke, nor does it have the 'big SUV' polish of a comparable Honda HR-V. Instead, there's a potentially pleasing compromise between the two. Under the bonnet, there are two engine options. You'll need the 140PS 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit if you want the option of 4WD and automatic transmission. If you're happy with front wheel drive and a stick shift, then arguably a better all-round choice is the 1.6-litre CDTi diesel, which puts out 136PS. It's capable of a top speed of around 117mph and rest to sixty in around 10.3s. You get a lot more pulling power with this unit - 320Nm in all. Every Mokka X is theoretically capable of towing a braked trailer of up to 1200kg in weight, but this diesel variant is the only one that'll really take such a task in its stride.

As you might expect, the AWD system provided on petrol versions of this car is a simple one - one of those fully adaptive set-ups that reacts to the surface you're driving over. So there are no knobs and levers: just a set of sensors that constantly monitor things like your steering angle, the wheel speeds, the throttle pedal position and the engine revs. Based on all this data, the electronic torque transfer device that controls the whole system will always know when extra traction is required, at which point it will automatically and seamlessly send up to 50% of the engine's torque from the front to the rear axle.

Design and Build
The Mokka's compact size - it's 4.28m long - places it in the upper part of the compact Crossover segment. In other words, in terms of exterior dimensions and cabin space, it's more Skoda Yeti than Nissan Juke - but not quite Nissan Qashqai size. For this improved 'Mokka X' model range, British designer Mark Adams and his team have tried to create a bolder look. This means a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. At the rear is another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. Vibrant new colours such as 'Amber Orange' and 'Lava Red' are also available. On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the latest Astra.

Otherwise, it's much as it was. In the back, the rear seats benefit from wide opening doors that simplify the fitment of a child seat, though that sharply rising waistline might restrict the view out for smaller occupants. As for luggage room, well, there's no high boot lip to negotiate and beyond it lies 356-litres of carriage space - about the same as you'd get in a MINI Countryman but 30% more than you'd get in a Nissan Juke.