This camouflaged three-spoke wheel is our first look at the upcoming Vauxhall Corsa GSE.
Vauxhall has revealed the first details of the new Corsa GSE, a hot performance model with a high-power electric motor.
Yes, that’s right – it might be the latest in a long line of Corsa hot hatches, but there’s no petrol engine in sight. Makes sense – GSE stands for Grand Sport Electric.
A lot of the ingredients will be carried over from the Mokka GSE. That means a front-mounted e-motor producing 280hp, and perhaps a Torsen limited-slip differential for improved handling. We’d also expect firmed up suspension and bigger brakes.
The Mokka GSE hits 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, and we’d expect the Corsa to be lighter and more aerodynamic, so it should be even faster.
There’ll be a new generation of Corsa launching in 2027, but the GSE will be based on the current model. You can think of it as a run-out special – or a toe in the water to see if anyone will buy a souped-up electric Corsa.
The Corsa GSE won’t be alone in the small electric hot hatch market. There’s the Alpine A290 GTS, Mini Cooper SE and the Peugeot e-208 GTI – the latter using the same mechanicals as the GSE.
To tell the GSE apart from lesser Corsas, it’ll feature exclusive alloy wheels, new bumpers, model-specific badges and perhaps a larger spoiler.
Inside, you’ll get suede-trimmed sports seats and performance data menus on the infotainment screen.
Somewhat interestingly, the Mokka GSE is available with two different tyre choices. One’s slightly more focused on efficiency, but the maximum range is still lower than the standard Mokka’s at 209 miles. That’ll probably be 220 miles for the Corsa GSE, but you’ll soon have to recharge if you drive the car as intended.
The Corsa GSE will be available to order later this year. Prices are likely to start at around £35,000 – or a bit less if it’s eligible for the electric car grant. Either way, it’s going to be quite steep for a Corsa.
Shop used Vauxhall Corsa electric cars for sale, or read our guide to the best electric hot hatchbacks.
