VAUXHALL'S compact SUV, the Mokka, has been around since 2012 and has proved a hit being in the top ten selling list in the UK, and the second generation model is about to hit the roads.

It competes in the market with the likes of the Nissan Juke and Qashqai, Renault Captur, Skoda Yeti and Ford Kuga.

Now it's getting an X rating and the new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the X identifier for all future Vauxhall crossovers.

the Mokka X comes in various trim levels - Nav, Active, Elite and Elite Nav - with a choice of petrol and diesel engines including a new 1.4i 152bhp turbo automatic petrol engine, as well as the 1.6CDTi 110bhp ecoFLEX manual diesel.

Standard equipment on Design Nav models include 18-in alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and silver roof rails on the outside

Inside the cabin, drivers benefit from a seven or eight-inch touchscreen with sat nav plus Vauxhall's IntelliLink Infotainment Design system, as well as the OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant which is standard on all models.

The Mokka X has been given new body styling, especially at the front, with new squared headlamps with L-shaped LED daylight running lights, a more attractive grille and lower bumper which is an improvement on the outgoing Mokka.

The rather cluttered array of buttons on the original Mokka have been removed and in its place there is a completely new dashboard similar to the new Vauxhall Astra.

It looks simpler and sharper and in the centre is the touchscreen of the new generation infotainment systems.

The Mokka X comes with a goodly lineup of standard gear including ABS, several airbags, keyless entry, cruise control, stop-start and options such as full leather interior, heated front seats and steering wheel, and tinted rear windows.

An additional safety feature is the optional AFL LED headlamps which produce a bright white light automatically adapting to the driving situation. The lights feature nine individual functions showing the way ahead, illuminating corners and automatically dip for oncoming traffic.

I found the seating in the Mokka X very supportive and comfortable on to drive on all surfaces, although I did find a fair bit road noise.

It was well balanced on corners with very little body roll. With its higher ground clearance you also get a great view of the road ahead higher.

The steering was well weighted and the ride quality excellent, ironing out the rough stuff on our shabby UK roads.

For those who live in a more rural area or who need an all-weather motor the new Mokka X can be ordered with 4x4 drive.

Performance was brisk from the 6-speed manual 1.6 CDTi EcoFLEX 136bhp I tried with great response from the gutsy engine and I was very impressed with the gear change which is slick and easy to use.

Vauxhall say that there will be a 50-50 split between petrol and diesel buyers. The diesel line-up for the new Mokka X includes two of Vauxhall's 1.6-litre CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel' engines.

The 110bhp and the 136bhp engines return claimed fuel consumption on a combined run of 70.6mpg and 68.9mpg respectively.

The entry-level petrol engine for the new Mokka is the 1.6-litre unit with 115bhp which is claimed to return 42.2mpg and comes with manual five-speed transmission and front-wheel drive.

Prices range from £18,310 and up to £26,765.