Vauxhall’s new GSe electrified performance models are now available to order, offering uprated electric and hybrid power with enhanced driving dynamics and styling.

The trio of sporty plug-in models offer uprated electrified performance with enhanced driving dynamics and styling

The firm announced the arrival of the new GSe sub-brand in September 2022, short for Grand Sport Electric and supporting both the brand’s plans for its electric future and its heritage in performance models.

The first models to get the GSe treatment are the Astra and Grandland, which are on sale now, closely followed by the Astra Sports Tourer, which will open for orders towards the summer.

Both the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe get a more powerful version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain in the existing Ultimate models. This teams up a 180hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 110hp electric motor, giving a total power output of 225hp and maximum torque of 360Nm. The motor is fed by a 12.4kWh battery that enables a 40-mile range for the Astra GSe and 39 miles for the Astra Sports Tourer. Emissions start from 25g/km CO2 and 26g/km CO2 respectively, putting the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models in the 8% and 12% Benefit-in-Kind brackets for 2022/23.

The Grandland GSe replaces the previous top-rung PHEV in the line-up, retaining the same 300hp plug-in hybrid system, which produces 75hp more than the standard Grandland PHEV.  It’s set up with a 200hp 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, giving all-wheel drive and enabling it to take the badge for Vauxhall’s most powerful model. Despite this, it still qualifies for the 8% BiK rating thanks to emissions from 27g/km CO2 and a fully electric range of 41 miles via the 14.2kWh battery.

The trio of GSe models also get bespoke changes to suspension and steering for improved handling while also benefiting from styling upgrades, inside and out, and the addition of back-friendly seats certified by Germany’s AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs).

Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models feature Intelli-Drive technology with Forward Collision Alert and Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Also included is Drowsiness Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Assistant, Cross Traffic and Side Blind Spot alert and Automatic Speed Assistant with Stop Function.

Grandland GSe models add to this with Advanced Park Assist as standard, while Night Vision is available as an optional extra for £1,300.

Prices for Grandland GSe models start from £43,700 – a £1,340 premium from the Grandland Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid to acknowledge its enhanced sporty dynamics, extra 75hp and all-wheel drive.

Prices for the Astra GSe start from £40,550 – a mere £150 price walk from the Astra Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid it’s based on despite the extra performance, handling and design.

Astra Sports Tourer GSe pricing will be confirmed at a later date.