Vauxhall announces pricing and specifications for the new Corsa GSE electric hot hatch.

Key Takeaways

• The new Vauxhall Corsa GSE is priced from £34,495 On-The-Road (OTR) or £32,995 including the Electric Car Grant, which is pending government approval.

• It is the most powerful production Corsa of all time, delivering 281PS (207kW) and 345Nm of torque.

• The model is the fastest-accelerating Vauxhall production vehicle on sale, achieving 0 to 62mph in 5.5 seconds.

• Power is stored in a 54kWh lithium-ion battery (51kWh useable), offering a range of up to 232 miles (WLTP).

• Orders will open in September with UK deliveries expected to commence from Winter.

• The chassis is Nürburgring-developed, featuring a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and a lower ride height.

• Standard charging equipment includes an 11kW on-board charger with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

Overview

The Vauxhall Corsa GSE marks the return of the brand to the hot hatch segment. This high-performance variant of the supermini combines electric power with sporty dynamics, drawing inspiration from historical models such as the Nova GTE, Nova GSi, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR.

Engine and Powertrain

The Corsa GSE shares its electric powertrain with the Mokka GSE, producing 281PS (207kW) and 345Nm of torque. It features a power-to-weight ratio of 181hp per tonne. Drivers can select from three driving modes:

• Sport: Tuned for performance, delivering full power via a racetrack-optimised calibration.
• Normal: Delivers 231PS (170kW).
• Eco: Reduces settings for maximum efficiency, lowering the top speed from 112mph to 93mph.

Energy is stored in a 54kWh lithium-ion battery with a useable capacity of 51kWh. This battery provides a range of up to 232 miles under WLTP standards

Charging and Usability

An 11kW on-board charger with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability is standard. A V2L adapter is available as an accessory. Recharging from 0% to 80% takes 30 minutes using a 100kW DC rapid charger. A full charge from 0% to 100% takes 5 hours and 45 minutes on an 11kW AC charger, or approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes on a 7kW AC charger.

Chassis and Dynamics

The chassis has been developed on the Nürburgring. It features a Torsen mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential to improve traction and stability.

Suspension modifications include a lower ride height of 24mm at the front and 11mm at the rear, alongside wider tracks increased by 54mm at the front and 20mm at the rear. Spring rates are increased by 67% at the front and 29% at the rear. A new rear axle features a 30.8mm anti-roll bar, which increases rear anti-roll stiffness by 153%. Shock absorbers feature hydraulic bump stops and GSE suspension bushings.

The steering system has been revised with a new knuckle setup and a reduced 14.5 rack ratio. Braking is managed by Alcon four-piston front callipers and 355mm front discs. In Sport mode, regenerative braking is disabled to provide 100% hydraulic performance.

Two tyre options are available:

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (standard): Focuses on performance, providing up to 220 miles of WLTP range.
• Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 (optional): Focuses on efficiency, increasing the WLTP range to 232 miles.

Exterior Design

The exterior features GSE-specific styling, including a front splitter, a new front bumper with large air intakes, a central bonnet line and Intelli-Lux Matrix headlights. The rear features a GSE bumper and a black rear spoiler. High-gloss black wheel arch extensions, GSE badging, dark tinted rear windows and a contrasting black roof are standard. A body-coloured roof is available as a no-cost option.

The vehicle sits on aero-optimised, three-spoke 18-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels, which are inspired by the GTE models of the 1980s. Alcon four-piston front callipers are finished in yellow.

Carbon Black is the standard body colour. Four optional colours are available for £650: Voltaic Blue, Contour White, Crystal Silver and Graphic Grey.

Interior and Technology

The interior features heated Alcantara and cloth performance seats with integrated head restraints, styled with a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern inspired by the Nova GTE. The cabin includes a heated Alcantara-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium pedals, yellow seat belts, armrests with yellow stitching and a black headliner. Door inserts are made from ReNewKnit, a material produced from recycled plastic bottles.

The technology suite includes a 10-inch digital instrument panel with a GSE logo and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The system displays GSE-specific performance data, including G-force, acceleration, torque and battery management.

Standard convenience features include a wireless mobile device charger, front and rear USB-C ports, a six-speaker audio system, electric folding heated door mirrors, rain-sensitive wipers and keyless entry and start.

Driver assistance is provided by Vauxhall PureSense, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane positioning assist, side blind spot alert, front and rear parking sensors and a 180-degree rear view camera.

UK Pricing and Availability

Orders for the Corsa GSE open in September, with UK deliveries expected to begin in Winter.

The official On-The-Road (OTR) price is £34,495. With the Electric Car Grant, which is pending government approval, the price is £32,995. The Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) taxation rate is 4% for the 2026/2027 tax year.

Standards and Methodology

Range and efficiency figures are calculated using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors such as driving style, weather conditions, vehicle load and tyre choice.

Tyre Specification Comparison