IT took some time, but Vauxhall have finally played catch up in the ever-popular world of compact 4x4s and practical crossover vehicles.

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

The British offshoot of General Motors did scratch the surface with their Antara SUV, but the big stylish offroader was something of a lone voice in the wilderness for the Luton-based marque.

But times have changed thanks to the Mokka, which size-wise sits bang in the middle between Nissan's Qashqai and Juke, making it a true compact SUV, but one which offered plenty of space for a growing family.

And unlike many other models of this ilk, its flowing lines made it pleasing to the eye which suited those who demanded a touch of style as much as all-round practicality.

Buyers loved the fact they got a lot of car for their money, with the Mokka being kitted out with a whole host of standard and optional driver aids and high-tech safety features.

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

There was also a lane departure warning system, adaptive forward lighting and a collision alert function that warned drivers if they got too close to the vehicle in front.

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

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

So far, the diesel model has accounted for the majority of Mokka sales, thanks to its proven reliability and impressive 62.8pmpg economy and low emissions.

The four-wheel-drive models came with an on-demand system which normally sent all the power to the front wheels. However, if grip was lost, the system automatically transferred up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear wheels.

The Mokka also featured hill start assist and hill descent control which allowed the driver to choose a set speed of between three and 12mph when descending slippy steep tracks.

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

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

With up to 1,372 litres of boot space available when the 40:60 split rear seats are folded, the Mokka offered more than enough space and versatility that buyers sought from a compact SUV and with its muscular stance and flowing lines, the Mokka looked the part from any angle.

Expect to pay between £7,940 to £10,700 for a 2012, 12-plate 1.7-litre diesel CDTI model in Exclusiv trim showing around 40,000 miles on the clock, while similar models in more upmarket SE trim will have a price tag of between £8,575 and £11,555.

Prices for similar-aged 1.4-litre petrol 4x4 models work out slightly cheaper, at between £7,630 and £10,290 for the Exclusiv and around £8,155 to £11,000 for the SE.