Road Test
MAKE A MOKKA

Vauxhall Mokka is a fun & simple to drive SUV that comes in 2 flavours unlike rivals – it even has room for a coffee bar

We used the Mokka's in-car coffee bar to treat walkers to free drinks

HERE’S a Mokka serving mochas.

We borrowed Vauxhall’s in-car coffee bar to fuel walkers attempting Yorkshire’s Three Peaks.

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The Vauxhall Mokka is a fun and simple to drive SUV
We used Vauxhall’s in-car coffee bar to give coffee to walkers attempting Yorkshire’s Three PeaksCredit: simon thompson
We treated walkers to coffee and cake where the 24-mile route meets the famous Ribblehead ViaductCredit: simon thompson
One walker even asked us what the catch wasCredit: simon thompson

But first I need to explain a few things.

The headline. Starbuicks. It’s the best I could do. The old Vauxhall Mokka is badged as a Buick Encore in the US of A.

The old Vauxhall Insignia is a Buick Regal.

So there.

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Second, why Yorkshire when everyone knows a Yorkshireman prefers tea?

Good point. Didn’t think of that until one hiker reminded me.

At least the coffee was made in Sheffield.

The truth is, I completed the Three Peaks challenge with my daughter back in February and, aside from the stunning views — and the pain — I remember there was no decent coffee to be had.

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So we thought we’d address that and treat walkers to coffee and cake where the 24-mile route meets the famous Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle-Carlisle railway.

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It went down well.

One hiker from Cambridge asked: “Is it free? What’s the catch? We don’t see many acts of kindness, so this is a nice surprise.”

You’re up north now, love. We’re friendly up here.

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Another chap from Maidstone, Kent, joked: “Do all Vauxhall Mokkas come with that in it? I’d get one if they did. That’s class.”

Another walker from St Albans, Herts, ordered a cappuccino and said: “I had some tea from a Thermos flask earlier and it was well brewed. This is far more exciting. Thank you.”

The 1.2-litre turbo can do 51mpg and the 136hp Mokka Griffin Electric is £29,495Credit: simon thompson
The 136hp Mokka Griffin petrol is £22,755.Credit: simon thompson
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The in-car coffee bar and all the kit will cost you £4kCredit: simon thompson

Congratulations to the big group from Brighton who were raising money for library books for a primary school. Heroes.

Now here’s a question: Why is mocha called mocha?

My barista friend Adam tells me mocha is named after the Yemeni port of Mokha, where they exported coffee beans with a distinct chocolatey flavour. That inspired the chocolate coffee mixture we have today.

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So why is a Mokka called Mokka?

Er, after the coffee bean, apparently, which is “small but punchy”.

You don’t need me to tell you what a Mokka is. There’s enough of them on the road.

But unlike a Ford Puma or a Nissan Juke, Mokka comes in two flavours — petrol or electric.

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Both are simple to drive and have a cheeky sense of fun.

The 136hp Mokka Griffin petrol is £22,755. The 1.2-litre turbo can do 51mpg. While the 136hp Mokka Griffin Electric is £29,495. The 50kWh battery has a 209-mile range.

Or you can upgrade for a bigger battery that does 252 miles.

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If you want a barista-style coffee bar in the back, with all the kit and a separate battery to run it, you are looking at another £4k.

Or just stop at Starbucks on the way home.

KEY FACTS: VAUXHALL MOKKA GRIFFIN ELECTRIC

Price: £29,495
Battery: 50kWh
Power: 136hp
0-62mph: 9.2 secs
Top speed: 93mph
Range: 209 miles
CO2: 0g/km
Out: Now

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