Electrifying Vauxhall Corsa GSe appeals to fun-seeking EV buyers

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【Summary】Vauxhall is introducing a new line of performance models under the GSe badge, with the upcoming Corsa GSe being their first all-electric model. It is expected to have a 154bhp motor and a 51kWh battery, offering a 0-62mph time of about eight seconds. The Corsa GSe may feature unique wheels, gloss-black detailing, and individual bumper inserts. It is anticipated to have a higher price tag, potentially exceeding £40,000 when it is released in 2024.

FutureCar Staff Oct 30, 2023 9:22 AM PT

Electrifying Vauxhall Corsa GSe appeals to fun-seeking EV buyers

Vauxhall's sporty VXR sub-brand was discontinued in 2017, but the British firm is now focusing on building a range of performance models under the GSe moniker. The next model to join the lineup will be a Corsa supermini, according to Auto Express.

The GSe badge originally stood for Grand Sport Einspritzung, which translates from German as Grand Sport Injection. It was featured on the Commodore GS/E and Monza GSE models back in the seventies and eighties. However, it now stands for Grand Sport Electric.

The Corsa GSe will be Vauxhall's first pure-electric GSe model, following in the footsteps of the plug-in hybrid Astra GSe hatchback and Grandland GSe SUV models. These cars combine a turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors, resulting in an output of up to 296bhp.

An exclusive image reveals the potential appearance of the upcoming Corsa GSe. Like its GSe siblings, the hot Corsa is expected to feature unique wheels and plenty of gloss-black detailing.

While the Astra GSe differentiates itself from other models in the range with contrasting paint, there is a possibility that the Corsa GSe may come with individual bumper inserts and a contrasting roof.

Similar to the Astra, the Corsa GSe is not expected to have a more powerful motor for increased straight-line speed. It is likely to utilize the larger 51kWh battery found in higher-spec versions of the recently facelifted Corsa Electric. This will provide 154bhp to the front wheels, resulting in a 0-62mph time of approximately eight seconds. However, the Corsa GSe may feature stiffer springs, a lower ride height, and recalibrated steering to justify its higher price tag.

Considering that the flagship Ultimate variant of the Corsa Electric currently costs £38,585, the GSe hot hatch could potentially exceed the £40,000 mark when it becomes available in 2024. Competitors for the Vauxhall will include the Abarth 500e, the larger Cupra Born and MG4 XPower, as well as the highly anticipated MINI Cooper.

For a list of the best electric cars currently available, click here.