VAUXHALL signalled its arrival on the competitive crossover scene by creeping in under the radar rather than blasting out with all guns blazing.

The brand's new compact sports utility vehicle the Mokka - obviously nothing to do with that popular if excessively sweet coffee/chocolate drink - is seen as a rival to proven top sellers like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti.

And while it lacks the distinctive style of either, the Mokka makes up for it with a raft of practical features sure to win over its share of buyers.

Part of a new model assault that has also seen the arrival of city slicker the Adam and luxury convertible the Cascada, the Mokka seems sure to give more established rivals a run for their money.

Two petrol and one diesel engine are up for grabs in a line-up that offers two or four-wheel drive and four trim grades of S, Exclusiv, SE and Tech Line, the latter aimed at company car drivers. Prices are from £15,995.

Vauxhall expects just over half its customers to opt for the front-wheel drive variant, while the most popular engine is proving to be the 1.7 CDTi diesel, selling appreciably more than either the 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol variants.

What the Mokka achieves is to effectively blend SUV practicality with passenger car comfort, the cabin boasting space for five to travel in comfort, and the boot is large too.

Inside, the cabin quality feels durable, there are some premium touches and no less than 19 storage spaces, including a pair of gloveboxes in the dash.

This model was a 1.6-litre five-speed manual transmission model with start/stop and while its 115ps of pulling power is adequate it certainly isn't spirited.