We've had a glimpse of Vauxhall's newest hot hatch - and it's electric.
The British brand, known for its affordable and fun cars, has revealed the first pictures of the new Corsa GSE, marking a return to the hot hatch segment after a period of hiatus.
The new electric variant of Britain's best‑selling small car will be the most powerful production Corsa to date, with no other supermini in its lineage accelerating faster.
With your foot planted on the accelerator, it will sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds.
The Corsa GSE follows the launch of the Mokka GSE, the first of a new generation of high‑performance, fully electric Vauxhall models.
Vauxhall hasn't featured in the hot hatch market since 2018, with the Bedfordshire‑based brand saying the new GSE will add 'even more excitement, performance and all‑electric driving pleasure' to the enthusiast segment.
Though it begs the question: is there a market for Gen‑Z boy racers?
The Corsa GSE will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Prices are not yet known, but with the standard Corsa Electric starting at £26,780, it should cost from around £32,000.
Vauxhall is coming back to the hot hatch segment with its new Corsa GSE. The electric car will follow on from the Mokka GSE.
Corsa GSE looks - what's new inside and out?
It takes inspiration from the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car revealed last year.
Vauxhall says the new Corsa GSE is all about showcasing its performance, with a dynamic hot hatch design that emphasises its sporting intentions.
The GSE‑specific front bumper, sharper rear than any other variant, visual air intakes, black trim along the lower body, plus a black roof and rear spoiler all work together to reinforce the high‑performance look.
It features three‑spoke 18‑inch alloy wheels, wide wheel arches with white contrasting paintwork, Alcon brake callipers with GSE lettering, and GSE branding down the sides of the car.
Inside the sporty theme continues
Inside, the sporty theme continues with performance seats for the driver and front passenger, upholstered in Alcantara and cloth, with black, grey and yellow chequered seat covers that nod back to the original Nova interior.
Sportiness is further enhanced by an Alcantara‑covered heated steering wheel and door inserts, yellow stitching on the armrests, yellow seatbelts, aluminium pedals, and a GSE logo on the instrument panel.
The GSE‑designed digital driver display and 10‑inch central touchscreen can be customised to show performance data including acceleration, G‑force and battery management.
Expected tech and safety features include a 180‑degree reversing camera, keyless entry and start, and V2L capability.
Performance specs
With 277bhp, 345Nm of torque and a kerb weight of only 1,554kg, the new model will offer as much electric power and performance as the rally-inspired Mokka GSE.
Hot hatch performance - how the GSE will bring back that heritage
The GSE is said to have inherited the DNA of previous small Vauxhall hot hatches, including the 1987 Nova GTE, the 1993 Corsa GSi, the Corsa VXR that spanned two generation from 2007.
The aim is to create a zero‑emission car that appeals to the niche of boy racers who want speed and practicality in a compact package.
With 277bhp, 345Nm of torque and a kerb weight of just 1,554kg, the new model promises levels of electric power and performance similar to the rally‑inspired Mokka GSE.
The 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds is complemented by a top speed of 112mph.
Drivers can choose from three driving modes: Sport, Normal and Eco. Sport prioritises outright performance with a racetrack‑optimised calibration; Normal delivers 227bhp; Eco maximises efficiency by limiting top speed to 93mph.
The Vauxhall Corsa GSE will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October
The new Corsa GSE uses a 54kWh lithium‑ion battery (51kWh usable) with a battery temperature management system designed to maintain peak performance.
The front‑wheel‑drive Corsa GSE sits on a lowered sports chassis with bespoke axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers, alongside GSE‑optimised steering and pedal tuning for maximum driver engagement.
Eurig Druce, Vauxhall managing director, 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.
'From its unmistakable GSE design to its class‑leading acceleration, Corsa GSE proudly carries forward the legacy of models like the Nova GTE, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR - reimagined for a new electric generation.'