The official on-the-road price is £34,495, while the grant reduces the entry price to £32,995. Vauxhall positions the Corsa GSE as the electric successor to performance-oriented small cars such as the Nova GTE/GSi, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR.
As previously reported, the performance variant is based on the Stellantis electric hot hatch platform and becomes the most powerful production Corsa ever built. The front-mounted electric motor delivers 207 kW and 345 Nm of torque, enabling the Corsa GSE to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds. According to Vauxhall, this makes it the fastest-accelerating production model currently on sale from the brand.
Drivers can choose between Sport, Normal and Eco driving modes, with Sport unlocking the full output, while Eco reduces performance and limits top speed to maximise efficiency.
Energy is supplied by a 54 kWh battery with 51 kWh of usable capacity, providing a WLTP range of up to 232 miles (373 kilometres). Charging from 0 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charger. An 11 kW onboard charger with Vehicle-to-Load capability is fitted as standard.
Like its sister model, the Opel Corsa GSE, the Vauxhall version features extensive chassis modifications aimed at improving handling. These include a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, a Nürburgring-developed suspension with a lower ride height, wider tracks, revised steering and Alcon four-piston front brake callipers with 355 mm brake discs. In Sport mode, regenerative braking is disabled to provide what the manufacturer describes as ‘100% hydraulic brake performance for optimal pedal feel.’
