These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall’s new small SUV, which will take the company into new market territory when it’s unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.

Called the Mokka, the new model will enter the growing sub-compact SUV B-segment. The Mokka is 4.28metres long, yet despite its neat dimensions can accommodate five adults in comfort.

“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 growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this perfectly.”

The Vauxhall Mokka blends functionality with a comfortable high seating position. It can be specified with all-wheel drive that seamlessly shifts torque to the rear wheels when required for better traction and handling. Power is provided by three efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol offer comprises a 114bhp, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 138bhp 1.4-litre Turbo with 148lb ft of torque. The diesel is a 128bhp 1.7 CDTI turbo with 221lb ft of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Mokka introduces new cutting edge technologies to the SUV B-segment, such as a string of Driver Assistance Systems at the hub of which is the Vauxhall Front Camera-there is also a rear view camera. In addition to a generous cargo volume, the Mokka offers the fully integrated, latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that is exclusive to Vauxhall. The user-friendly carrier is fully integrated in the rear underbody, functioning like a drawer and accommodating up to three bicycles at a time.

Muscular and attractive, the Mokka incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear.  The Mokka’s sporty character is reinforced by its higher ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track. Its robust looks are further enhanced by 18” alloy wheels which are standard on most models.

In the interior, the new Mokka displays typical Vauxhall values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality, providing up to 1,372-litres of load space and 19 storage locations.

The new Vauxhall Mokka will be available in Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive . The All-Wheel Drive System ensures a high level of stability and safety, extending Mokka’s capabilities to more rugged environments. When handling and traction are put to the test, the system automatically and seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels. Standard features that enhance the driving experience across all models include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) as well as Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Hill Descent Control (HDC ) systems – which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.

The Vauxhall Mokka brings cutting-edge upmarket technologies to the SUV B-segment. The Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety is based on the 3^rd generation Bi-Xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist (HBA). The new generation Vauxhall front camera system is also available, giving the driver access to a number of functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and second generation Traffic Sign Recognition. No other sub-compact SUV offers such a system that increases safety and driving comfort.

The Vauxhall Mokka will be available at Vauxhall dealerships towards the end of 2012.