Vauxhall has revealed pricing and specifications for the Corsa GSE, a model set to redefine the affordable electric performance market.
The most powerful production Corsa of all time is officially priced at £34,495, which drops to an attainable £32,995 with the Electric Car Grant (ECG).
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this electric powerhouse delivers a blistering 0-62mph time of just 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest-accelerating Vauxhall on sale today.
The Corsa GSE marks Vauxhall’s return to the hot hatch segment, with the new high-performance variant reinventing the sporty genes of previous Vauxhall superminis, including the Nova GTE/GSi, Corsa GSi, and Corsa VXR.
The Corsa GSE offers the same electric power and performance as the rally-inspired Mokka GSE with 281hp, 345Nm of torque and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 181hp/tonne.
Drivers can choose from three different modes. In Sport setting, the car is tuned for pure performance and calls up full power with its special racetrack-optimised calibration. Regenerative braking is disabled and there’s a 100% hydraulic brake performance for optimal pedal feel.
Switch to Normal mode and the Corsa delivers 231hp. Finally, in Eco configuration, all settings are reduced for the greatest possible efficiency. The top speed is reduced from 112mph to 93mph.
The new Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54kWh (51kWh useable) lithium-ion battery, providing a range of up to 232 miles (WLTP).
Battery recharging from 0-80% takes 30 minutes from a 100kW DC rapid charger, while a 0-100% charge from an 11kW AC charger will take five hours and 45 minutes. A full charge from a 7kW AC charger will take around seven hours and 30 minutes.
An 11kW on-board charger with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is fitted as standard, while a V2L adapter is available as an accessory through Vauxhall retailers.
Alongside its potent performance, the Corsa GSE features a Nürburgring-developed chassis with lower ride height, wider tracks, stiffer spring rates, uprated rear axle and shock absorbers, and a new rear anti-roll bar for greater body control. The steering has also been completely revised for faster response.
Customers can choose from two tyre options tailored for Corsa GSE. The standard tyre is the performance-focused Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which provides 220 miles of range (WLTP). Alternatively, customers prioritising efficiency can opt for Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tyres, which increase range by 12 miles to 232 miles (WLTP).
The GSE-specific design features a front splitter, wheel arch extensions, bumpers, black roof and spoiler, plus three-spoke 18-inch black diamond-cut alloys in a nod to 1980s GTE models.
Inside, there are retro-inspired GSE performance seats with tartan upholstery from Nova GTE and matching yellow seat belts.
Onboard tech includes a 10-inch digital instrument panel with GSE logo, plus a centrally positioned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The highly customisable system features unique GSE-specific information, such as G-force display, acceleration and torque values, battery management data, and more.
In-car amenities include a wireless charger for mobile devices, front and rear USB-C power outlets, and a six-speaker audio system. In addition, electric folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, and keyless entry and start are also included as standard.
On the road, driver safety and assistance are supported by Vauxhall PureSense, which features adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane positioning assist, side blind spot alert, and front and rear parking sensors with a 180° rear view camera for simple and safe manoeuvring.
Orders open in September with UK deliveries from the winter.
