X really does mark the spot when it comes to Vauxhall’s plans for its crossover and SUV segment cars and the first model to roll off the production line to wear the new moniker is the Mokka X.

It’s essentially an update to the Mokka that brings more equipment packed into an improved interior, good looks and, unusually for this segment, the option of all wheel drive.

Its competing against the Nissan Juke, the Peugeot 2008 and Citroen C4 Cactus so it’s got a tough fight on its hands but, on paper at least, it looks to have the tools to give its rivals a run for their money.

The question is, what’s it like in practice though?

My Mokka X test cIar arrived in Design Nav trim with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine – with stop-start technology – under the bonnet.

It also arrived in Amaretto.

The standard equipment list is long, and includes Bluetooth handsfree calling and audio streaming, dual zone electronic climate control, automatic lighting control with high beam assist, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, hill start assist – deep breath – heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, switchable electronic stability programme, cruise control with speed limiter and descent control system.

All models also have steering wheel mounted controls and a CD 450 six-speaker sound system, at least.

If that’s not enough – and why not? – you also get Vauxhall OnStar, your ‘onboard assistant’. It’s a virtual assistant, so don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot, however, the system does provide you with quick and easy access to an adviser – via an SOS button in an emergency – who can help with destination downloads, roadside assistance included with the OnStar package as well as vehicle diagnostics.

You can also download the My Vauxhall app, available for iOS and Android, which allows you to contact OnStar from anywhere, view vehicle data such as oil life or tyre pressure, remotely lock or unlock the car, locate the vehicle online, sound the horn and flash the lights and download destinations to the onboard sat nav.

There’s an abundance of tactile, soft-touch materials that help give the Mokka X a premium feel while the fit and finish is first class. The dash is an intriguing amalgamation of sweeping lines, eclectic textures and finishes

There are some nice details including chrome instrument surrounds and a glossy grey panel that runs across the dash and blends into the door trim.

Head and legroom – both in the front and back – is generous when you consider that the Mokka shares its platform with the Corsa. There’s even room, just, for a fifth passenger if the need arises.

The 356-litre boot is one of the biggest in its class and the boot opens nice and wide and has a flat floor to make loading and unloading easy. Fabric tabs make dropping the rear seat backs easy and, with them stowed away, capacity rises to 1,372 litres.

The front end of the Mokka X now embraces Vauxhall’s new design philosophy including a wing-shaped horizontal grille and dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the front and rear lamps. All models are equipped with alloys of at least 17 inches in diameter, electrically folding door mirrors and front and rear parking sensors.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is available with either 150bhp or 138bhp, which is what was lurking under the bonnet of my test car. That power output is enough to propel the four-wheel-drive Mokka X, to 60mph in 9.3 seconds but, it should be noted, not without protesting audibly when you’re asking it to work hard.

The fact that this is a high-riding crossover should help temper expectations of a sweet-handling steer and so it should, because the Mokka X isn’t. The handling is best described as relaxed, which translates into noticeable body roll and a tendency for the front end to wash out when you try and turn in hard. The electrically assisted steering is well judged, with a nice weight to it, but there’s a void between what’s happening under the tyres and what your fingertips are telling you.

Approached in the right frame of mind, however, and the Mokka X will not disappoint. The soft suspension guarantees a compliant ride that, combined with an engine that’s refined – when it’s not being worked hard – and low levels of road and wind noise ensures that longer journeys are dispatched with the minimum of fuss and maximum comfort.

That supple ride also pays dividends around town where occupants are isolated from the broken surfaces that plague our urban roads. However, visibility is hampered by thick A-pillars and the small rear window although the standard front and rear parking sensors do go some way to mitigating any problems manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The Mokka X brings noticeable improvements over the previous model. The interior is stylish and well-built and equipment levels are generous. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine in my test car proved vocal when pressed but noise levels fell away markedly once up to speed. The handling is uninspiring but the trade-off is a supple ride and competent long-distance cruising abilities.

Vauxhall Mokka X Design Nav 1.4i Turbo 140PS Start/Stop 4x4

Price: £19,940

As tested: £20,495

Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with stop/start technology

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 140PS @ 4,900 – 6,000rpm

Max torque: 200Nm @ 1,850 – 4,900rpm

Max speed: 116mph

Acceleration (0-60mph): 9.3sec

Urban: 34mpg

Extra urban: 43.5mpg

Emissions (CO2): 152g/km

For more information visit www.vauxhall.co.uk