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 first generation Mokka (2012-2016), specifically the 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC variant with all-wheel drive and Start/Stop technology. While not initially sold in the United States, the Mokka (later rebranded as the Buick Encore for the North American market) became a significant model for General Motors in Europe, capitalizing on the increasing consumer preference for smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs.
Vauxhall Mokka 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC: Overview
The 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC version of the Mokka was a popular choice in the UK and European markets, offering a balance between performance and economy. The “ecoTEC” designation signified Vauxhall’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency through engine technology and aerodynamic enhancements. The inclusion of all-wheel drive (4×4) provided enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making it a versatile option for a wide range of drivers. The Start/Stop system further contributed to fuel savings by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Mokka 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, identified by the codes A14NET and B14NET, produces 140 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 200 Newton-meters (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1850 and 4900 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in tandem to boost power output and improve responsiveness. Power per liter is rated at 102.6 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.4 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.9 seconds. The Mokka 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC has a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivering power to all four wheels. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Mokka is a five-door, five-seater SUV characterized by its bold and distinctive styling. Its relatively compact dimensions – 4278 mm (168.43 in) in length, 1777 mm (69.96 in) in width, and 1654 mm (65.12 in) in height – make it well-suited for urban environments. The Mokka’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable cabin with ample space for passengers and luggage. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 362 liters (12.78 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1372 liters (48.45 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Mokka’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and responsive handling. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is 0.36. The turning circle is 10.8 meters (35.43 ft). The Mokka’s design, while polarizing for some, helped it stand out in a crowded segment. The 4×4 system enhances stability and control, particularly on slippery surfaces.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mokka |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4i Turbo ecoTEC (140 Hp) 4×4 Start/Stop |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1850-4900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14NET, B14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1414 kg (3117.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1879 kg (4142.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 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 | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 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 |
