Ford Puma vs Vauxhall Mokka: two best-selling crossovers conflict

Right here we’ve got a face-off of two of the hottest vehicles within the UK at the moment. Figures from the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT) present that in 2023 to date, Ford has registered 46,434 Pumas, putting it on the high of the rankings. The Vauxhall Mokka, at 28,290 models, sits in ninth and is the third commonest compact SUV, behind the Puma and Nissan Juke. So is that order within the rankings a mirrored image on their potential? 

In sure areas, sure. Before everything, there’s the best way the Puma drives; the chassis has hot-hatch-like reflexes which can be backed up by an adjustable stability, plus effectively weighted and exact steering. Nothing else on this section will put a smile in your face just like the Ford. 

The bottom engine within the vary is the 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost, which delivers a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. Whereas this automobile’s punchy torque output and candy six-speed gearbox provide eager drivers lots to get pleasure from, the choose of the vary is the new ST. It includes a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 197bhp – sufficient for a 6.7-second 0-62mph dash time – and an much more centered suspension set-up to match. A 168bhp mild-hybrid unit paired with a seven-speed computerized gearbox is a current addition to the ST household.

There’s intelligent design inside, too, with the boot an excellent instance. At 456 litres, it’s one of many largest in its class, and is helped by the ‘Megabox’ storage space positioned beneath a false flooring. The plastic container holds 68 litres and has a drain plug on the backside so you may wash it out, making it ultimate for holding moist or muddy garments. The load lip is minimal, too, so it’s simple to elevate heavy objects out and in. 

However the Puma doesn’t have issues all its personal approach. The Mokka’s cabin seems extra up to date, and the neat management layouts are simple to work out. The snug seats have a number of adjustment, however as with the Puma, these within the again will really feel somewhat short-changed for area; neither automobile troubles the category leaders on this space. The Mokka’s 350-litre boot falls wanting the Ford’s, however a space-saver spare wheel is offered as a dealer-fit possibility. On the highway, the Vauxhall‘s dealing with feels somewhat underwhelming after stepping out of the Puma, but it surely’s extra snug and refined than its rival. 

As soon as once more, it’s Vauxhall that provides the broader alternative of powertrains, together with a fully-electric model that guarantees as much as 206 miles of vary from a cost of its 50kWh battery. Our alternative within the Mokka line-up is additional down the vary, although. A mid-level GS trim paired with a 134bhp petrol engine and guide gearbox can be greater than sufficient for many patrons. 

Vauxhall has as soon as once more been very aggressive with the finance offers, providing a whopping £4,100 deposit contribution on this mannequin. Place an extra £4,000 of your individual down up entrance, and a PCP finance settlement involves £293 monthly. In distinction, a Ford Puma ST-Line with the 123bhp petrol engine prices £340 on matching phrases. That works out costing an additional £1,692 over the course of a three-year deal. 

Outcomes

Our alternative: Vauxhall Mokka

Ordinarily, the Mokka is a three-and-a-half-star automobile, however Vauxhall’s large reductions proper now bump up that score to the purpose the place it’s laborious to disregard. If you happen to’re after a trendy and refined compact SUV, then the Mokka is one thing of a cut price in the meanwhile.

Runner up: Ford Puma

It is clear why the Puma is the UK’s best-selling automobile. It’s fabulous to drive, has a boot large enough for households and is compact sufficient to seamlessly slip into anybody’s life. However the Mokka is less expensive to purchase on finance simply now, and that’s sufficient to drop the Ford to second this time.

Figures

Ford vs Vauxhall