Vauxhall serves up a Mokka

Vauxhall serves up a Mokka

Vauxhall's Mokka compact SUV was the latest model to get the 1.6-litre 'Whisper Diesel' engine when it was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Already available on Astra, Meriva and Zafira Tourer, the compact four-cylinder unit will replace the current 1.7-litre diesel in the Mokka line-up. The Mokka has been a sales sensation with over 270,000 sold of which more than 35,000 have been registered in the UK.

The new unit gives more power and torque - up 6bhp and 20Nm - from a smaller displacement, as well as significantly lower fuel consumption. Part of a new family of Vauxhall all-aluminium diesel engines, the Euro 6 compliant 134bhp unit reaches 84bhp per litre, delivering 320Nm of torque.

Performance isn't compromised with the Mokka 1.6-litre CDTi accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and the maximum speed is 118mph.

The 'Whisper Diesel' is also extremely economical and benefits from Vauxhall's all-new six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop as standard. Fuel economy is 58.9mpg combined and emissions are low at 109g/km CO2.

In addition to numerous measures to improve running refinement, engineers also focused on saving weight, using aluminium instead of cast iron for the engine block - a first for diesel engine production at Vauxhall. The crankshaft bedplate and cylinder head are also in aluminium, giving a total weight saving of 20kg.

The new 1.6 CDTi in the Mokka is fitted as standard with Start/Stop, braking energy recuperation and a low-friction, six-speed manual gearbox, which ensures silky smooth and more precise gear shifting. Numerous changes to internal components and shifting mechanisms, as well as the transmission's integration in the vehicle, give a noticeable improvement in driving comfort.

The combination of the new turbo diesel and manual transmission is offered for both front- and all-wheel drive, while a six-speed automatic is also available with front-wheel drive.

The new Mokka engine will be available at from early 2015.

by: Rebecca Chaplin