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The electric Vauxhall Corsa GSE is the most powerful production Corsa of all time with 281PS, a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds, a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential and pricing from £32,995 (after the Electric Car Grant).
The Corsa GSE marks Vauxhall’s return to the hot hatch segment with the new high-performance variant of Britain’s best-selling small car, taking the sporty genes of previous Vauxhall superminis, including the Nova GTE/GSi, Corsa GSi, and Corsa VXR, into the future.
The new Corsa GSE offers the same electric power and performance as the rally-inspired Mokka GSE with 281PS (207kW), 345 Nm of torque, and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 181hp/tonne. With a 0-62mph time of just 5.5 seconds, the high-performance Corsa will be the fastest-accelerating Vauxhall production model on sale.
New Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different driving modes:
Sport – The car is tuned for performance and calls up full power with its special racetrack-optimised calibration.
Normal – It delivers 231PS of power (170kW)
Eco – 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).
An 11kW on-board charger with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability is fitted as standard; a V2L adapter is available as an accessory through Vauxhall retailers. 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 5 hours and 45 minutes. A full charge from a 7kW AC charger will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
The Corsa GSE features a Nürburgring-developed chassis, plus uprated steering, brakes, and suspension to deliver sharp handling and an engaging driving experience.
Among the upgrades is the addition of a Torsen mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential, designed to provide maximum traction under acceleration, greater stability, and improved handling whatever the conditions.
The suspension has been reworked, with a lower ride (-24mm front, -11mm rear) and wider tracks (+54mm front, +20mm rear). Spring rates have been increased by 67% at the front and 29% at the rear, while there is a new rear axle with a 30.8mm anti-roll bar, resulting in a 153% increase in rear anti-roll stiffness.There are also new shock absorbers with hydraulic bump stops and GSE suspension bushings all round.
The steering has also been completely revised, with a new knuckle setup and a reduced 14.5 rack ratio for faster response. Alcon four-piston front callipers and 355mm front discs provide more powerful braking, with maximum heat dissipation and fade resistance. In Sport mode, regenerative braking is disabled, with 100% hydraulic brake performance for optimal pedal feel.
Customers can choose from two tyre options tailored for the 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 new Corsa GSE’s styling includes a front splitter and new bumper with large air intakes, a GSE rear bumper and black rear spoiler, and black wheel arch extensions. The Corsa GSE is available in five body colours: Carbon Black comes as standard, while Voltaic Blue, Contour White, Crystal Silver, and Graphic Grey are available as a £650 optional extra.
The Corsa GSE sits on aero-optimised, three-spoke 18-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels – inspired by 80s GTE models – with Alcon four-piston front callipers in GSE yellow.
The driver and front passenger sit on heated Alcantara and cloth performance seats and there’s a heated Alcantara-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel.
As well as a 10-inch digital instrument panel, the centrally-positioned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto also features GSE-specific information, such as G-force display, acceleration and torque values and battery management data.
