New Vauxhall Corsa GSE unveiled with 281hp
Faster to 62mph than a VX220 - and with 'all-electric driving pleasure' promised
Here we are, then: after even more years away than you probably thought (the last VXR went off sale in 2018), there’s a fast Vauxhall Corsa back in the world. The most powerful Corsa ever, in fact. This is the GSE, a 281hp EV promising to take the ‘sporty GSi genes of the Nova and first Corsa generation into the future.’
Much is familiar from the Mokka GSE seen last year; arguably no bad thing given that car was decent enough (and this is a little bit lighter, at 1,554kg). So power comes from a 51kWh (usable) battery and a single electric motor driving the front wheels through a Torsen limited-slip diff. Notably range and efficiency are omitted from this original release; you might remember that the Mokka only just crept over 200 WLTP miles, so expect something similar for the Corsa. Or roughly comparable with an Alpine A290 GTS, if a little way off the 240 miles a Mini JCW can achieve with a smaller battery.
To make the most of the range available, there’s an Eco mode that limits power and restricts top speed to 93mph; Normal uncorks 231hp, while Sport ‘is tuned for pure performance and calls up full power with its special racetrack-optimised calibration.’ With the full 281hp quota, Vauxhall claims 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds for the GSE, with a 112mph top speed. Tyres are a fairly modest (for the power output) 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all round.
Not that anyone will be paying much attention to the tyres, of course, because this Corsa marks the return of the three-spoke alloy wheel to the hot hatch market for the first time in decades. And that’s a talking point, if nothing else. Aside from the Maserati Folgores, three-spoke wheels just don’t exist anymore. It’s a nice nod back to Novas, too. The wheels ensure no chance of a GSE being mistaken for a more humble Corsa Electric, which is handy given the rest of the makeover is fairly modest: the bumpers are GSE-specific, and reasonably smart, if not exactly screaming intent. Note the Alcon calipers behind the wheels also. That isn’t the end of the high-end hardware for the Corsa GSE, either, with hydraulic bump stops, new anti-roll bars, lower springs and ‘specifically designed axles’.
And the retro vibe doesn’t end with the rims, either, as the Corsa gets a very recognisably GSE look to the interior as well. Check out the black, grey and yellow pattern alongside the Alcantara. The 10-inch central screen can display a wealth of performance data, with layouts ‘designed in typical GSE style.’
Eurig Druce, Vauxhall MD, said: “The new Corsa GSE marks a defining moment for Vauxhall as we bring the spirit of our iconic hot hatches into the electric era. Building on the blueprint set by the rally-inspired Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE combines exhilarating performance with everyday accessibility, proving that electric cars can be emotional, exciting, and great to drive.” We’ll know for certain if that’s true with a launch scheduled for later this year, following a public appearance at the Paris motor show. Expect the price to slightly undercut the £36k of a Mokka GSE.
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