Another SUV our CarLease UK team had the opportunity to review.
This time, we were reviewing the Vauxhall MOKKA X DIESEL HATCHBACK 1.6CDTi [136] Elite Nav 5dr Auto, the “middle” SUV option within the Vauxhall brand. Given the explosion of demand for SUV/Crossover vehicles, car manufacturers have been piling much of their investment into these types of vehicles.
Vauxhall have responded to this by introducing two new options within the range:
1. The Crossland X – the baby in the range, is a new practical small-SUV with a starting price of around £16,555 and which will be available in both petrol and diesel plus will have circa 5 trim levels to choose from. Think Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008 as its main competitors; and
2. The Grandland X – the bigger brother of the group, is set to rival the Seat Ateca, VW Tiguan and Peugeot 3008. With a starting price of around £22,310, this will be the largest SUV in the Vauxhall range. Options are limited on the vehicle with a 1.2 turbo petrol engine and 1.6 turbo diesel engine plus trim levels which will include the SE, SE Nav, Tech Line, Elite, Elite Nav and Ultimate.
So what is making the SUV the most popular leasing option in the UK? This is a very hard question to answer and while we have our own thoughts (and speculation), it is obvious that customer behaviour has altered dramatically over the last 5 years.
The issue which many customers face is that with restricted budgets, physical space at their houses and commuting times, car requirements are changing rapidly.
The SUV and cross-over class are far more aesthetically pleasing that traditional bubble-shaped MPVs plus they offer a higher driving position which many of older customers do prefer. The sporty/low profile option is very much the reserve of the younger generation.
The choice, and competition, in the SUV class is endless which has effectively created a situation where high-specification vehicles are available at affordable prices – navigation, parking cameras and sensors, leather, heated seats, active cruise control are becoming a minimum expectation.
You also have to consider that many employees are commuting to work and so smaller/economical options are perhaps not as essential? Whatever the specific reason, the SUV and cross-over class is the number 1 product in the UK.
In terms of the car shown here, the Mokka X Elite Nav, this represents the top option within the range. With standard specification including dark tinted rear windows, hill start assist, cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, navigation (Navi900), smartphone integration, body coloured external features, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, stainless steel tailpipes, silver roof rails, fog lights, LED daytime lights, heated steering wheel, split-folding rear seats, heated front seats and 18” alloy wheels. In terms of additional factory options, there are very little additions you can have – perhaps Bose premium audio and the upgraded alloy options.
On the technical-side, the car has a P11d of £27,000 for a standard vehicle and has CO2 of 132g/km. For company-car drivers, so take this into consideration for your BiK before making a decision on the next car. The 1598CC 6 speed auto engine delivers 136ps which offers 56.5mpg combined and 0-62 times of 10.3 seconds. Servicing intervals on the Mokka are every 12 months or 20,000, whichever lands sooner.
Do consider the benefits of a funder-maintained contract with the annual servicing commitments, as this type of arrangement allows you to include the cost of all servicing, maintenance, tyres and sometime breakdown recovery.
So would the Mokka X Auto be your choice? Or are you a fan of the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tuscon or Renault Kadjur?
Let us know your thoughts!!
Find the best personal and business car leasing deals for the Vauxhall Mokka X by CLICKING HERE…
