VAUXHALL is moving into the compact SUV market with a functional looking model that can be had with either two or four wheel drive.

The Mokka is an alternative to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti and is competitively priced with 16 variants costing from £15,995.

With a choice of three engines - two petrol and a 1.7-litre diesel - it's well finished and has enough about it to become a good family all-rounder.

We have just tried out a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4x4 version in mid-grade Techline trim which comes with sat nav as standard for £18,200.

Other features include hill descent control, electronic stability, hill start assist and from a driver's point of view the Mokka is a sure footed performer with the bonus of being able to take on wintry roads.

For a relatively tall car it is surprisingly nimble and roll through bends is well checked while the ride is accommodating, even over rough roads.

Although very much a soft roader the Mokka has sufficient ground clearance to tackle rutted tracks but its underbody protection below the bumpers appears more cosmetic than functional.

The engine develops 140ps which is enough to give fair acceleration through a six speed manual box and noise levels are not unduly intrusive.

Top speed is a claimed 118mph with 0 to 60 taking 9.4 seconds and it is officially rated at 43.5mpg with emissions of 149g/km which equated to £135 a year road tax.

We managed 34 to the gallon overall which is more than acceptable for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. A stop/start system is standard to help fuel efficiency in traffic.

The drive system itself is automatic and the Mokka is set up to move power from front to rear as surface conditions dictate.

It also helps when towing and the Mokka has a braked trailer weight of 1.2-tonnes.

Under normal circumstances the drive is concentrated on the front wheels and it handles in a competent fashion. If conditions deteriorate up to 50 per cent of the power can be switched to the rear axle and the change is imperceptible.

Inside the cabin is smartly finished with some unusual features such as a crook shaped handbrake and ‘double decker' door pockets. There is also a fold away armrest on the driver's seat.

Steering wheel mounted switches operate the cruise control and audio system while onboard stowage includes a double glovebox and handy trays in the centre console.

Rear seat head and leg room is good and so is visibility throughout the car which is another family friendly plus point.

Boot space ranges from 356 to 1,372 litres which is not quite as much as its competitors but still satisfactory for most needs.

Of the three engines in the Mokka range, the 1.4 turbo is 4x4 only but is the quickest. The other petrol engine Vauxhall is offering is a 1.6-litre normally aspirated version which can be had only with front wheel drive.

The 1.7-litre diesel is available in both drive formats and is the most economical of the three with a combined mpg of 62.8 for front wheel drive and 57.6 for the 4x4.

Prices for the diesel run from £17,445 to £23,490 for the range topping Mokka SE.

As with all Vauxhall models the Mokka comes with a 100,000 mile lifetime warranty.