WHEN the Vauxhall Mokka was first launched I was impressed by the 1.6 diesel models but underwhelmed by the lacklustre petrol of the same size.

Move on to the second generation - called the Mokka X - and although the petrol was still available , there was also a new 1.4 turbo that was a delight to drive, with all the performance anyone could want in such a high sided SUV.

By this time - 2016 to 2020 - there was also a more powerful diesel that added performance with only a small loss in economy.

There have also been both petrol and diesel models with intelligent four wheel drive, and an automatic gearbox has also been available with the more powerful engines.

But this is not a heavyweight 4x4, so don't expect it to be able to tackle serious off-road work. The 4WD is much more an aid in slippery or challenging road conditions or a wet grass field.

The Mokka X was launched with fresh interior and exterior style and tech must-haves like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the stereo, controlled from a new, much updated dash borrowed from the Astra and designed around seven or eight inch touch screens.

The suspension is quite firm and this translates into an unsettled ride over poorer surfaces at times, so make sure you take a decent test drive so you know you can live with it.

Few vehicles like this are truly driver-focussed - that's not what they're meant for - but the Mokka is still predictable and safe through the corners, with a fair amount of feel from the steering.

The standard traction and stability control works very well, so that if too much speed is carried into a corner, the resulting understeer is quickly negated.

Where the intelligent 4WD is fitted, it maintains almost total front wheel drive most of the time in order to save the increasingly more precious amber nectar, but switches automatically to 50/50 front to rear traction when conditions demand.

The lowest powered petrol model is the 115bhp 1.6 I've already mentioned, which takes a leisurely 11.4 seconds to get to 60 miles an hour, and gives a best of 42 miles per gallon.

The 1.4 140bhp turbo is a much better bet, reaching the benchmark in 9 seconds and managing 47mpg.

There is also a 153bhp version of this same engine that comes with 4WD and a standard automatic gearbox. It gets to 60 in 9.1 seconds and is capable of 43mpg.

Now we come to the diesels, both of which are 1.6-litres in size. The 110bhp version reaches 60 in 11.1 seconds and is capable of an excellent 70mpg, while the 136bhp version brings the sprint down to 9 seconds and can still do 68mpg.

Vision is good to the front and side from the high driver's seat, but is a little limited to the rear, and while there's plenty of space in the front seats, there's only room for two adults or three children in the back.

Having said that, there are an amazing 19 cubbies and other stowage spaces around the cabin - more than enough for most families!

The boot is an excellent size, and can be extended by removing a false floor, and the back seats fold in a 60/40 pattern for larger items.

There are eight trim levels available, starting with Active, and moving up through Design Line, Design Nav, Elite, Elite Nav, Griffin, Griffin Plus and Ultimate.

But even the lowliest Active comes with a decent amount of kit, including climate control, alarm system, heated electric mirrors, alloy wheels and excellent seat adjustment - electric in many models.

They also have audio remote control, cruise, plenty of airbags, traction and stability control and hill start assistance. Mid-range Elite Nav adds sat nav, tinted rear windows and leather covered, heated sports seats.

Pay about £10,250 for an '18 18-reg 1.4T Active with start/stop, or £16,500 for a '20 20-reg for a 1.6CDTi 136bhp Elite automatic.