The Mokka Electric has been on the steroids.
This is the new Vauxhall Mokka GSe, a hotted up version of the Mokka Electric.
It was previewed earlier this year by a Mokka GSe Rally prototype, which had proper racing-car stuff like a stripped out interior and a roof mounted air scoop.
The production version, thankfully, keeps all the performance enhancements but gives you interior trimmings and proper air conditioning.
A new electric motor provides 280hp – a pretty substantial amount of power for a small car. As such, the 0-62mph time is hot-hatch quick at 5.9 seconds, while the top speed is 124mph.
Upgraded sports suspension means the Mokka GSe sits 10mm lower than the standard car. The chassis has had a surprisingly thorough reworking, too, with a limited-slip differential at the front to improve cornering, and new shock absorbers. Vauxhall states that the rear axle has 189% more roll stiffness than a regular Mokka EV – which should remove body roll in fast corners and make the GSe feel like it corners on rails.
As you’d hope given the extra oomph, the brakes have been fettled as well. The front brakes are Alcon 380mm discs with four-piston calipers. It’s clearly not relying just on brake regeneration to bring you to a stop.
Even the tyres are said to be bespoke to the Mokka GSe, which gives a clue about how serious Vauxhall is taking its new halo EV. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres are wrapped around 20-inch rims.
Interior upgrades include sports seats, Alcantara suede door inserts, yellow stitching and aluminium pedals. The screens now include performance data screens and GSe graphics.
The GSe retains the standard car’s 54kWh battery, but is likely to be less efficient with all the extra power. We’d expect a maximum range of around 210 miles, compared to the 250 or so you can achieve from the lesser-powered models. And you’ll get much fewer miles if you use the ‘OMG’ performance (Vauxhall’s words, not ours).
The powertrain is familiar from the recently announced Peugeot e-208 GTi, Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. Other fast EVs include the Skoda Elroq vRS and Cupra Born VZ.
Prices and specs are due to be announced in the coming weeks. Given its positioning, we wouldn’t be surprised if Vauxhall asks for more than £40,000 for the GSe.
Happy with the standard car? Read our Vauxhall Mokka review or shop used Vauxhall Mokka cars for sale.
