Marking its return to the compact hot hatch market, Vauxhall has announced the new Corsa GSE will be unveiled this year, accelerating the previously expected timeline. The brand has already shown off a Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo Concept, but that was built around the next generation model’s underpinnings, whereas the production variant will be based upon the current Corsa which came to market in 2019.

Confirmation of the model going into production is welcome, if overdue, news from Vauxhall. RUSH understands that the hot Corsa was very close to launching in mid-2024 before the project was paused. The revived Alpine A290 and Mini e-JCW rival will share its hardware with the forthcoming Peugeot e-208 GTi, meaning an LSD-equipped electric motor up front, revised suspension at each corner, and a 54kWh capacity battery between the wheels. We expect it to match the Peugeot’s output of 276bhp and 254lb-ft (345Nm) of torque, hit 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds and reach a 112mph top speed.

New Peugeot e-208 GTi at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show
The e-208 GTi is expected to donate its running gear to the new Corsa GSE.
2026 Vauxhall Corsa Electric

The exterior styling remains under wraps, with just one teaser image of a three-spoke wheel released, channelling a long line of hot B-segment Vauxhalls that can trace its roots back to the Nova SR of 1983. Hiding behind it is a large, luminous brake calliper, which has been designated a signature GSE cue. If the Mokka GSE is anything to go by, a subtle visual makeover should be on the cards, however a closer look at the teaser image reveals new wheel arch extensions that hint at a widened track.

The new Corsa GSE will be fully unveiled in the coming months, with order books opening later this year. We expect production at Stellantis’ Zaragoza factory to coincide with the launch of the Peugeot e-208 GTi.

Vauxhall Corsa GSE teaser