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 (130 Hp) 4×4 variant, produced between 2012 and 2015, and its significance within the European automotive landscape. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Mokka provides insight into the evolving preferences of European consumers and the increasing demand for fuel-efficient, versatile vehicles.
The Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC: A European Crossover
The Mokka was a crucial model for Vauxhall (and its sister brand Opel), marking a significant step in expanding their product portfolio beyond traditional hatchbacks and sedans. 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 economy and maneuverability of a smaller car. The 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC 4×4 model specifically targeted customers needing all-wheel drive capability for varied weather conditions or light off-road use, common requirements in many parts of Europe.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC 4×4 is a 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated 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 utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.4 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 9.9 seconds. The Mokka 1.7 CDTi 4×4 reaches a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113.71 mph). The engine’s design focused on balancing power with fuel economy, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg or 57.6 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Mokka boasts a distinctive exterior design characterized by a bold front grille, sculpted headlights, and a rising waistline. Its body style is a traditional five-door SUV, offering seating for five passengers. Inside, the Mokka offered a relatively spacious cabin for its size, with a focus on practicality and user-friendliness. Key features included a modern dashboard layout, comfortable seating, and a decent amount of cargo space. 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, important for the target market, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis design. The 4×4 system provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The Mokka’s design aimed to stand out in a crowded segment, offering a more adventurous and stylish alternative to more conventional small SUVs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mokka |
| Generation | Mokka |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC (130 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 129 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 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. @ 2000-2500 rpm) |
| 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 | 1919 kg (4230.67 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 (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 |
The Vauxhall Mokka 1.7 CDTi ecoTEC 4×4, while never officially available in the US market, represents a significant vehicle in the European subcompact crossover segment. Its blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and all-wheel-drive capability made it a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile and affordable vehicle. The Mokka paved the way for Vauxhall/Opel to become a more prominent player in the crossover market, and its success influenced the development of subsequent models.
