Vauxhall has debuted the Corsa GSE as the brand’s first hot hatchback since its last model with the VXR designation in 2018; however, it is not a completely new idea. Several manufacturers within the Stellantis Group have released their versions of the fast supermini on the platform that is being used by the brand, which makes one wonder whether the company has really done enough to make its offering unique.
Like all high-performance EVs on the e-CMP platform, the Corsa GSE has a 276bhp, 254lb ft front motor, while the Alpine A290 has just a 217bhp engine with a different transmission system; therefore, there should be a noticeable difference between the two models when comparing their performance parameters. The GSE also has three driving modes: Sport, Normal, and Eco, where the former will give you racetrack optimisation or something like that.
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This all is achieved thanks to a battery pack with a capacity of 54kWh (51kWh usable), which, along with the rest of the body components, adds up to a mass of 1554kg, which aligns with the cars of its kind like Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, and Abarth, which use the same platform (the Alpine A290 is somewhat lighter, being rated at 1479kg). Vauxhall claims that it has improved the thermal management system of the GSE, compared to the standard model, which will help it retain its output capacity for longer periods of use. The range is yet to be specified, but we can predict that it won’t exceed 200 miles on a single charge, considering the experience gained in its cousins.
The GSE is officially the quickest Vauxhall ever made, but this doesn’t mean much in 2026. However, despite having the same specifications as the Peugeot 208 GTi, which is a car of the same class, the GSE accelerates to 62mph twice faster (5.5 seconds). Furthermore, it is half a second faster to reach this speed than the Abarth 600e, which is again, an equally powerful car as the GSE. Lastly,
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Other than the limited-slip differential, the Corsa GSE sits lower than the normal version of the vehicle with its axles, roll bars, and shock absorbers being specially designed for the performance model in order to improve its handling. The calibration of its steering and pedals is geared towards making improvements towards its dynamism, and it has been fitted with four-piston Alcon brakes for improved weight management.
From a visual perspective, the Corsa GSE features uniquely designed bumpers both at the front and rear parts of the bodywork with a well-defined lower air intake section and some changes done on its intake surrounds under the headlamps. Just like the normal Corsa, there is a glossy black section running through the headlamp clusters, however, there are fender flares and black trimmings which denote its being a GSE model. It has new 18-inch wheels in a unique diamond cut pattern, but unlike the Peugeot 208 GTi with its extreme looking Michelins Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the GSE runs on standard Pilot Sport 4 S tyres on 215 section 40 profile.
Similarly, changes can be found in the interior, with the “performance” seats having bolstered support, Alcantara, and a special black and yellow check fabric that pays homage to the former Vauxhall Nova. The yellow seat belts carry this trend forward, along with the aluminum pedals, GSE-themed screens, and Alcantara door cards and steering wheel covers.
Prices have not been revealed for the UK market, but one would expect the starting price to be around £37,000.
Vauxhall Corsa GSE specs
| Powertrain | Single-motor, front-wheel drive |
| Power | 276bhp |
| Torque | 254lb ft |
| 0-62mph | 5.5sec |
| Top speed | 112mph |
| Weight | 1554kg |
| Battery | 54kWh (51kWh useable) |
| Power-to-weight | 178bhp/ton |
| Price | £37,000 (est) |
