Vauxhall is to move into the compact SUV sector with the new Mokka, which will be put on show at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

At 4.28 metres long it's a little longer than the four-metre Corsa and will offer different running gear, for instance being available with a part-time four-wheel-drive system as well as in traditional front-wheel-drive.

The Mokka is all about fitting as much practicality into as small package as possible, with potentially handy touches like the Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that slides out of the rear bumper and holds up to three bikes.

There will be plenty of technology options as well, like an adaptive front lighting system which has yet to be explained fully, and a front-mounted camera that then gives access to functions like lane departure warning, forward collision alert and speed limit sign recognition.

At its launch three engines will be available; one diesel and two petrols. With diesel prices rising faster than petrol, most buyers will probably be better off with either the 1.6-litre 113bhp petrol or the more muscular 138bhp 1.4-litre turbo, again petrol.

Only very high mileage drivers are likely to get the best deal by choosing the 1.7-litre 128bhp diesel, although prices have yet to be announced.

For fans of automatic transmissions, the 1.4 turbo and the 1.7-litre diesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Further specifications and photos will be released around the Geneva show in March.