Vauxhall has confirmed UK pricing and specifications for the new electric Corsa GSE, with the 207kW hot hatch set to open for orders in September ahead of customer deliveries from winter.
The Corsa GSE has an official on-the-road price of £34,495, while the UK Electric Car Grant reduces the entry price to £32,995. Vauxhall positions the model as the electric successor to performance-focused small cars including the Nova GTE and GSi, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR.
Most Powerful Production Corsa
The Corsa GSE is the most powerful production Corsa developed by Vauxhall, using a front-mounted electric motor producing 207kW and 345Nm of torque.
The electric hot hatch can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating production model currently offered by Vauxhall.
Three driving modes are available: Sport, Normal and Eco. Sport provides access to the vehicle’s full performance, while Eco reduces power and limits the top speed to prioritise energy efficiency.
Power comes from a 54kWh battery, of which 51kWh is usable. Depending on specification, the Corsa GSE can achieve a WLTP range of up to 232 miles (373km).
The car supports DC charging at up to 100kW, allowing the battery to charge from 0% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. An 11kW onboard charger and Vehicle-to-Load capability are fitted as standard.
Performance-Focused Chassis
Vauxhall has made extensive chassis changes to differentiate the Corsa GSE from standard versions of the electric supermini.
The performance model features a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, Nürburgring-developed suspension, a lower ride height, wider tracks and revised steering.
Braking performance is upgraded with Alcon four-piston front callipers and 355mm brake discs. In Sport mode, regenerative braking is disabled to provide what Vauxhall describes as full hydraulic braking performance and improved pedal feel.
Buyers can choose between two tyre configurations.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are fitted as standard and provide a certified WLTP range of 220 miles. Optional Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tyres increase the official range to 232 miles.
GSE Styling And Digital Features
The Corsa GSE receives a range of exterior changes designed to distinguish it from conventional Corsa models.
These include model-specific bumpers, a front splitter, extended wheel arches, a black roof and rear spoiler. The car rides on 18-inch three-spoke alloy wheels inspired by classic Vauxhall GTE models.
Inside, heated performance seats feature retro-inspired tartan upholstery alongside yellow seat belts and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
The digital cockpit includes 10-inch displays, while the infotainment system features dedicated GSE performance screens.
Drivers can access information including G-forces, acceleration, torque output and battery management data, providing additional performance information during driving.
Electric Successor To Vauxhall’s Hot Hatch Heritage
Vauxhall sees the Corsa GSE as a return to the hot hatch market, combining the performance character of earlier GTE, GSi and VXR models with an electric powertrain.
The company said the model brings the sporting character of its previous small performance cars into an electric future.
With UK orders scheduled to open in September and deliveries expected from winter, the Corsa GSE will compete in the growing market for compact electric performance cars while retaining the familiar Corsa nameplate.
