•Vauxhall's product revolution continues with Mokka SUV

•New model marks Vauxhall's entrance into the growing compact SUV segment

•Rivals include Skoda Yeti, Nissan Juke and Qashqai

The new Mokka SUV continues an unprecedented product revolution by Vauxhall and is set to make further waves with its bold, expressive design, advanced driving dynamics and technology.

Mokka adds a new sports utility vehicle (SUV) to the Vauxhall portfolio, and into the expanding compact SUV segment. Compact SUVs fall under 4.30 metres in length, distinguishing them from their larger counterparts. While many other segments are showing limited growth, the compact SUV market has grown by an impressive seven per cent (first half 2011 versus first half 2012). This rapidly growing segment, which includes the Skoda Yeti and the Nissan Juke and Qashqai, allows Vauxhall to break in to brand new territory.

With a striking appearance, safe and spacious, the Vauxhall Mokka will appeal to a wide range of customers. Research has shown that the typical Mokka customer leads a very active lifestyle where leisure activities play a central role in his or her life. That is why the Mokka with its many optional extras, like the FlexFix bicycle carrier, is perfect for people who want to balance their busy daily lives with leisure activities.

Just over half of all Mokka customers are expected to opt for the front-wheel drive variant, while the most popular engine will be the 1.7CDTi, accounting for 42 per cent of sales. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 1.6-litre will account for 20 per cent and 38 per cent of sales respectively.

'The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them into a compact, yet modern form,' said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's Chairman and Managing Director. 'We are now growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this perfectly.'

Potential customers are also predicted to be technology-savvy people who rate safety and comfort features high on their agenda. The Mokka provides many technologies that are unique in the segment such as optional ergonomic premium seats, several front camera system functions and Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+).

The Vauxhall Mokka will attract customers who are new to the brand. Typically the majority of compact SUV customers (75 per cent) are private buyers, while the rest are likely to be fleet and business. There's even a specific trim aimed at company car drivers, called Tech Line with prices starting from £15,995. Mokka Tech Line offers company car drivers exceptional levels of standard spec, combined with low P11D prices and attractive benefit-in-kind charges. Tech Line models can already be found in the Astra and Insignia model ranges.

Vauxhall is not new to the SUV market and has established a successful track record in this segment over the past two decades. In 1991, Vauxhall launched the all-wheel drive Frontera off-roader. British-built in Vauxhall's Luton plant, it was the first European combined off-roader and SUV model. A year later, the Vauxhall Monterey followed which was a mid-size pure off-road vehicle. After a brief absence from the SUV market, Vauxhall returned in 2006 with the Antara. This crossover model was updated last year with a comprehensively refreshed appearance, powertrain line-up and ride and handling.

by Vauxhall

by Vauxhall