Vauxhall is bringing performance back to the Corsa range with the new all-electric Corsa GSE, its first proper hot hatch since the VXR models disappeared almost a decade ago.

While everyday company car drivers are unlikely to be choosing one purely for practicality, the Corsa GSE is another sign that electric cars are starting to move beyond efficiency-focused commuting and into something more driver-focused and emotional.

Power jumps to 277bhp, nearly double that of the standard Corsa Electric, helping the GSE reach 62mph in just 5.5 seconds. More importantly, Vauxhall says the car has been heavily reworked underneath, with stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, sharper steering, and a limited-slip differential designed to improve handling and traction.

Despite the extra performance, Vauxhall still expects usable real-world efficiency. Exact range figures haven’t been confirmed yet, but the lighter hatchback setup should help it stay competitive for everyday driving and commuting.

Inside, the changes are more subtle but still clearly aimed at making the car feel sportier, with bucket seats, Alcantara trim, and retro-inspired details that reference older Vauxhall performance models like the Nova GSi.

For fleets, this probably won’t become a volume choice. But as more drivers move into EVs, cars like the Corsa GSE show manufacturers are starting to focus just as much on enjoyment and driver appeal as they are on outright efficiency.