The Vauxhall Corsa GSE Marks the Return of the Hot Hatch
This is more than just a new trim level, Vauxhall has breathed on the Corsa turning it from a practical, stable family runabout into a hot hatchback marking Vauxhall’s return to its fastest - and most exciting - car in a very long time.
Hot hatchbacks were all the rage when I was in my yoof - and yes, as an avid car nut I had one because they were affordable, nippy, fun and had street cred aplenty. With sporty styling, stiffer suspension and a larger engine sitting in a lightweight body, they were a giggle, albeit not actually hot by today’s standard.
Vauxhall claims it has a “Back to the future” moment reviving the tradition of fast, small, cars that started with the Nova GTE back in 1987, that eventually morphed into the Corsa VXR in 2007.
But now Vauxhall is back with a hot new GSE and the numbers don’t disappoint with 281 PS and 345Nm of torque providing a blisteringly fast performance hitting 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds.
However, its not just outright acceleration that Vauxhall has worked on because the GSE comes with unique 18-inch wheels, an Alcon high-performance brake system, performance seats, digital displays with performance data and much more.
The question on everyone’s lips is what powers the new 281 PS GSE and the clue is in the moniker because the E hints at Electric.
With 281 PS and 345 Nm of torque from the electric motor mated to Vauxhall’s 54 kWh battery - and with a kerb weight of just 1,554kg - the new Corsa GSE should also be a hoot to drive. Vauxhall states that this is their fastest accelerating Vauxhall production model on sale, and to ensure the Corsa GSE maintains peak performance, the battery temperature management system has been adapted.
The Corsa GSE is front-wheel drive with a Torsen® multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered suspension with axles, stabilisers, and hydraulic shock absorbers designed specifically for the GSE.
The steering and pedal feel have been optimised and tweaked, and with four-piston performance brakes, the GSE should turn out to be a very engaging car to drive, although reviews will need to confirm this.
Drivers can choose from three different power modes. Sport mode ensures the car is tuned for pure performance with full power available that has been tuned with “special racetrack-optimised calibration”.
Normal mode delivers a very decent 231 PS, for a more wafty, nippy and very usable power delivery, but Eco mode dials everything down for the greatest possible efficiency should you need to extend the range.
Eurig Druce, Vauxhall Managing Director & Stellantis UK Group Managing Director, said: "The new Corsa GSE marks a defining moment for Vauxhall as we bring the spirit of our iconic hot hatches into the electric era. Building on the blueprint set by the rally-inspired Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE combines exhilarating performance with everyday accessibility, proving that electric cars can be emotional, exciting, and great to drive. From its unmistakable GSE design to its class-leading acceleration, Corsa GSE proudly carries forward the legacy of models like Nova GTE, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR - reimagined for a new electric generation.”
The front performance seats with integrated head restraints - and finished in Alcantara® and cloth - feature a grey and yellow chequered pattern, coupled with bright yellow seatbelts that draws inspiration from the original Nova interior from the 80’s.
To give the interior a more sporty, tactile feel, the steering wheel is also covered with Alcantara® along with the door inserts and armrests and all with contrasting yellow stitching.
The drivers display - complete with its GSE logo - can be personalised and the central 10-inch touchscreen contains GSE performance data such as G-force, acceleration values, battery management data, and much more.
The Corsa GSE is also well equiped with heated seats and steering wheel, a 180-degree reversing camera and the Keyless Entry & Start system. It also gets Vauxhall’s new bidirectional onboard charger (V2L), which can be used to power, or charge external devices, such as e-bikes, directly from the cars high-voltage traction battery.
There’s no information on when the new Corsa GSE will be available to order, but more details on that will follow soon, according to Vauxhall.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.