The Vauxhall Mokka, known as the Opel Mokka in mainland Europe, is a subcompact crossover SUV introduced in 2012. Representing Vauxhall’s entry into the rapidly growing B-segment SUV market, the Mokka aimed to blend practicality, affordability, and a distinctive design. This article focuses on the first generation Mokka (2012-2014), specifically the 1.6i ecoTEC (115 Hp) Start/Stop variant. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Mokka provides insight into the European small SUV landscape and Vauxhall’s (now part of Stellantis) product strategy.
Vauxhall Mokka 1.6i ecoTEC: Overview and Market Position
The Mokka was a significant vehicle for Vauxhall, marking their first foray into the burgeoning subcompact SUV segment. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile, economical, and stylish vehicle. In Europe, it competed with models like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008. The “ecoTEC” designation indicated Vauxhall’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and the inclusion of a Start/Stop system further emphasized this commitment. The Mokka’s relatively compact size made it well-suited for navigating congested European cities, while its raised ride height and available all-wheel drive (on other trims) offered a degree of all-weather capability.
Engine & Performance
The 1.6i ecoTEC engine powering this Mokka variant is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. Displacing 1598 cm³ (97.52 cubic inches), it produces 115 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. This translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 72 hp/l. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 11.3 seconds. The engine’s weight-to-power ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Mokka features a distinctive SUV body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its design was characterized by a bold front fascia, a high beltline, and a contrasting roof color option, contributing to its modern aesthetic. The interior offered a practical layout with a focus on usability. Key features included a comfortable driving position, a reasonably spacious cabin, and a versatile cargo area. The trunk offers 362 liters (12.78 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1372 liters (48.45 cu. ft.) when folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis design. The Mokka’s dimensions are 4278 mm (168.43 in.) in length, 1777 mm (69.96 in.) in width, and 1654 mm (65.12 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2555 mm (100.59 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mokka |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i ecoTEC (115 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A16XER |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1324 kg (2918.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1764 kg (3888.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 362 l (12.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1372 l (48.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4278 mm (168.43 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2555 mm (100.59 in.) |
| Front overhang | 943 mm (37.13 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 780 mm (30.71 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/70 R16; 205/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Vauxhall Mokka 1.6i ecoTEC (115 Hp) Start/Stop, while never officially available in the US market, represents a significant step in Vauxhall’s expansion into the popular SUV segment. Its blend of practicality, efficiency, and distinctive styling made it a competitive offering in the European market.
