Vauxhall has just rebooted its legendary GSE performance badge—and the first car to wear it is an all-electric Mokka that’ll hit 62mph in 5.9 seconds.
The Return of GSE – And It’s Electric
Vauxhall’s GSE badge hasn’t been seen since the ‘80s, when it was slapped on rally-inspired road cars like the Chevette HS. Now, it’s back—and this time, it’s electric. The new Mokka GSE packs a 276bhp motor, a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, and a chassis tuned by the same team behind Vauxhall’s BTCC racers.
This isn’t just a power bump. Vauxhall’s thrown in a trick suspension setup, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, and a proper mechanical limited-slip diff—because if you’re going to revive a performance badge, you might as well do it properly.
Performance That (Almost) Justifies the SUV Shape
Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, it’s still an SUV. But the GSE treatment means this Mokka handles more like a hot hatch than a crossover. The steering’s been sharpened, the ride height lowered by 10mm, and the stability control tuned to let the rear end slide just enough to be fun.
The numbers?
- 276bhp
- 5.9s 0-62mph (quicker than a Cupra Born)
- 50kWh battery (good for ~200 miles, because performance comes at a cost)
It’s not perfect—the range is modest, and at £42k, it’s not cheap—but as a proof that EVs can be fun, it’s a hell of a start.
Why This Matters: GSE Is Just the Beginning
Vauxhall’s not stopping here. The GSE badge will spread across the range, including a Corsa Electric GSE due next year. If they’re all this focused, the Germans should be worried.
The Mokka GSE arrives early 2025. And for the first time in years, we’re actually excited about a Vauxhall.
