Overview
- Early first‑drive and track reviews confirm the Corsa GSE uses a front motor with about 277–280hp, a 54kWh battery giving roughly 220–232 miles WLTP, and a 100kW peak charging rate with a quoted 0–62mph time near 5.3–5.5 seconds.
- Vauxhall has priced the GSE competitively at £34,495 (£32,995 after the UK Electric Car Grant) to sit below or match rivals such as Alpine and Mini while directly competing with a near‑identical Stellantis sibling, the Peugeot e‑208 GTi.
- The GSE pairs shared Stellantis hardware with bespoke engineering: a Torsen limited‑slip differential, Alcon brakes, unique suspension geometry, 25mm lower ride height and much stiffer springs with hydraulic bump stops for sharper handling.
- Test drives and short track sessions at Croft and development miles at the Nordschleife describe an engaging, agile car that delivers strong cornering and straight‑line pace but has a notably firm, unforgiving ride and rapidly reduced real‑world range when driven hard.
- Vauxhall’s move continues a long line of small performance models and shows the trade‑offs for electric hot hatches: strong on driving feel and spec but requiring buyers to accept firmer ride, lower usable range in spirited use, and modest charging speed.