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 crossover market, the Mokka aimed to blend practicality, affordability, and a distinctive design. This article focuses on the 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC variant, produced between 2012 and 2015, equipped with a 130 horsepower engine and an automatic transmission. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Mokka provides insight into the European small SUV segment and Vauxhall’s (now part of Stellantis) product strategy.
Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC: An Overview
The first-generation Mokka (A05 platform) was a significant model for Vauxhall, marking a move towards more contemporary and versatile vehicle designs. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a vehicle that offered the higher driving position and perceived safety of an SUV, combined with the fuel efficiency and maneuverability of a smaller car. The 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC engine option was particularly popular in Europe, offering a balance between performance and economy, catering to drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency for daily commutes and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC is powered by a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the A17DTS. This engine produces 130 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 2500 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing power output and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.4 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113.71 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine’s 77.1 hp per liter demonstrates a focus on maximizing power from a relatively small displacement.
Design & Features
The Mokka boasts a distinctive exterior design characterized by a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and a contrasting roof color option (often black or white) that became a signature styling element. As a five-door SUV, it offers seating for five passengers and a practical interior layout. The interior, while not overtly luxurious, was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a user-friendly dashboard layout and comfortable seating. Key features included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, important for the target market, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. 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, providing ample cargo capacity for everyday needs. The Mokka’s dimensions – 4278 mm (168.43 in.) in length, 1777 mm (69.96 in.) in width, and 1654 mm (65.12 in.) in height – position it squarely within the subcompact SUV segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mokka |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC (130 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000-2500 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A17DTS |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Max. weight | 1861 kg (4102.8 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 362 l (12.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1372 l (48.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 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 | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic 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 |
| Tires size | 195/70 R16; 205/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient, practical, and stylish subcompact SUV. Its success in Europe paved the way for subsequent generations and solidified Vauxhall’s position in the competitive crossover market.
