Vauxhall unveils new Corsa GSE as it expands electric performance range

Following the recent introduction of the Mokka GSE – the fastest production electric vehicle Vauxhall has ever built – the Corsa GSE will bring motorsport-inspired performance to the brand’s most popular model. The new variant is set to be available to order later this year.

Designed to combine everyday usability with dynamic electric performance, the Corsa GSE will be based on the current production model and will draw heavily on the technical expertise developed through Vauxhall’s electric motorsport programme. Like the Mokka GSE, the new Corsa GSE takes inspiration from the Mokka GSE Rally, which competes in the ADAC GSE Rally Cup – the world’s first one-make European electric rally championship.

Eurig Druce, Vauxhall Managing Director and Stellantis UK Group Managing Director, said the new model builds on the success of the brand’s first fully electric performance car.

“The GSE badge has already proven a great success with the Mokka GSE – now Vauxhall is bringing that electrifying high-performance to Corsa,” he said. “The Corsa GSE will combine small and agile practicality with thrilling, pure electric, motorsport-inspired power and dynamics. Vauxhall has a proud heritage of hot hatches, and we’re excited to now offer customers those same thrills, combined with electrifying performance and zero emissions in use.”

The announcement places the Corsa GSE firmly within a long lineage of performance-focused Vauxhall models. The Corsa has consistently been the UK’s best-selling small car, and the new GSE version follows in the footsteps of much-loved hot hatches including the Nova GTE, Nova GSi, Corsa GSi, and Corsa VXR.

Vauxhall first launched the Corsa in the UK in 1993 as a practical, everyday hatchback, but it was the GSi variant that cemented its performance credentials. Powered by a 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine producing 105bhp, the original Corsa GSi could reach 60mph in 9.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 121mph, earning a reputation as a true “pocket rocket”.

Since the introduction of the GSE (Grand Sport Electric) sub-brand in 2023 – initially with plug-in hybrid versions of the Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and Grandland – Vauxhall has steadily shifted its performance focus towards electrification. With the fully electric Mokka GSE leading the way, the upcoming Corsa GSE represents the next step in that transition.

Vauxhall’s return to motorsport further underpins the project, with the manufacturer confirming it will re-enter competition for the 2026 season, fielding a full works Mokka GSE Rally driven by British talent Ioan Lloyd.

Further details on specifications and pricing for the new Corsa GSE are expected to be announced in due course.