Vauxhall will launch an all-electric hot hatch version of its Corsa supermini this year as it looks to take on Alpine, Abarth and Mini.
The Vauxhall Corsa GSE will be the first performance-focused version of the Corsa since 2018 and the firm’s second hot EV.
Powertrain and Performance
Vauxhall hasn’t confirmed technical details of the Corsa GSE. It’s safe to assume that it uses the same underpinnings as the Mokka GSE launched last year.
That means a 276bhp front-mounted motor. A Torsen mechanical limited slip differential. Bespoke chassis tune with stiffer suspension, Alcon performance brakes and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.
It’s a setup already in use to great effect in the Abarth 600e and the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, as well as the Mokka GSE. It will also appear in the Peugeot E-208 GTI which is due to go on sale later this year.
Given that the regular Corsa Electric puts out just 134bhp or 154bhp, this marks the GSE out as a proper hot hatch – rather than the previously disappointing plug-in Astra and Grandland GSEs.
Expect a 0-62mph time of under six seconds, in line with the Mokka’s performance.
Market Competition
The Corsa’s announcement marks another addition to the burgeoning hot electric hatchback segment. As well as its Stellantis relatives, the Corsa GSE is likely to go up against the Alpine A290 and Mini John Cooper Works Electric as well as the soon-to-launch Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI.
There’s no indication on price yet. With those key rivals all in the £35,000-£40,000 bracket and the Mokka GSE priced from £36,995, we’d expect the Corsa to come in at a similar price.
Vauxhall also hasn’t shared much information on the Corsa GSE’s design. We would expect a similar treatment to the Mokka GSE, with bigger wheels and a more pronounced body kit.
It’s unlikely we’ll see many of the design features of the radical Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo that was revealed last year.
“The GSE badge has already proven a great success with the Mokka GSE – now Vauxhall is bringing that electrifying high-performance to Corsa,” said Eurig Druce, Vauxhall’s managing director.
“The Corsa GSE will combine small and agile practicality with thrilling, pure electric, motorsport-inspired power and dynamics. Vauxhall has a proud heritage of hot hatches, and we’re excited to now offer customers those same thrills but combined with the electrifying performance and zero emissions in use of these new GSE models.”
Performance Heritage
The last Corsa to wear a performance badge was the VXR of 2018, which produced 202bhp from its turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and hit 62mph in 6.8 seconds.
Before that, the Corsa GSi used a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 105bhp to deliver 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds.
That’s slower than the current regular Corsa Electric.
