IT'S taken far too long, but Vauxhall is finally playing catch up in the ever-popular world of compact 4x4s and practical crossover vehicles.

While mainstream manufacturers throughout the globe have spent a great deal of time and money jostling to compete in this growing lifestyle sector, Vauxhall seemed quite content to stick to the tried-and-tested family-sized hatchback and people carrier sectors in which to ply its trade.

Okay, the British offshoot of General Motors has scratched the surface with the Antara SUV, but the big yet stylish off-roader has been something of a lone voice in the wilderness for the Luton-based marque.

But times are changing with the advent of the new Mokka which has just started to flow into Vauxhall's showrooms.

From a size point of view, the Mokka sits bang in the middle between Nissan's Qashqai and Juke models, making it a true compact SUV but one which offers plenty of space for a growing family.

And unlike many other models of this ilk, its flowing lines make it pleasing to the eye and that will certainly suit those who seek a touch of style as much as all-round practicality.

Prices for the 16-model range kick off at £16,995, but buyers will find they get a lot of car for their money, thanks to the Mokka being kitted out with a whole host of standard and optional driver aids and high-tech safety features.

These include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, traction control, eight airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control and a front-mounted camera that reads road signs to display the speed limit to drivers.

There's a lane departure warning system, adaptive forward lighting and a collision alert function that warns drivers if they are too close to the vehicle in front.

Four trim levels make up the range - S, Exclusiv, Tech Line and SE and there is the choice of three stop/start engines in a 1.4-litre 138bhp turbo petrol; 1.6-litre 113bhp petrol and 1.7-litre 128bhp diesel.

Four-wheel-drive variants are reserved for the 1.4 petrol and 1.7 diesel, while an automatic gearbox is also available, but only on front-wheel-drive oilburners.

As to be expected, the diesel model will account for the majority of Mokka sales thanks to the engine's proven reliability and impressive 62.8pmpg economy and low emissions.

The four-wheel-drive models come with an on-demand system which normally sends all the power to the front wheels. However, if grip is lost, the system will automatically transfer up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear wheels.

The Mokka also features as standard hill start assist and hill descent control which allows the driver to choose a set speed of between three and 12mph when descending steep tracks with limited traction.

I first drove the Mokka on some pretty uninspiring roads in northern Germany and have to say the left-hand-drive models in European specification that were available then didn't really inspire.

However, after much work at the Millbrook proving ground, Vauxhall has totally revised the suspension and steering for the UK spec models.

The result is that the Mokka offers a composed, relaxed and smooth ride while stability through corners at speed is spot on. The steering is light yet sharp and offers decent feedback which most drivers will be more than happy to live with.

Inside, there's plenty space for up to five. Back seat passengers enjoy ample room all round while there's plenty of cubby holes and storage spaces.

In keeping with Vauxhall's sculptural design ethos, the wing-shaped instrument panel wraps around the door inserts while liberal use of brushed chrome highlights add to the car's elegant interior design.

With up to 1,372 litres of boot space available when the 40:60 split rear seats are folded, the Mokka offers more than enough space and versatility that buyers require in a compact SUV and with its muscular stance and flowing lines, the Mokka looks good from all angles.

Vauxhall knows things are not going to be easy, for the compact SUV sector is a tough place to be. But with the car's competitive pricing and muscular looks - not forgetting Vauxhall's unique lifetime warranty - the Mokka has every opportunity to succeed.