Relaunching Vauxhall and Opel’s GSE sub-brand with fully-electric models, the Mokka compact crossover gets a more powerful motor, brand-new suspension, and revised styling. The front-mounted motor offers up 276bhp and 245lb-ft (345Nm) of torque, sending this to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The drivetrain is shared with other electric performance models in the Stellantis range, including the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and the new Peugeot e-208 GTi.

The car takes 5.9 seconds to reach 62mph from rest, and becomes the fastest electric Vauxhall with its top speed of 124mph. Maximum performance comes in the car’s dedicated Sport driving mode, while Normal and Eco alter the powertrain’s output for everyday use. The Mokka GSE draws energy from a 51kWh usable capacity battery, and a WLTP combined range of around 200 miles is expected.

To make the most of the uprated drivetrain, the car features a revised steering system, and double-hydraulic dampers at each corner. The new rear axle is now 189% stiffer than the standard Mokka Electric, and the front brakes feature four-piston callipers from Alcon, each gripping 380mm diameter discs. The 20” wheels are aerodynamically optimised in their design, and are shrouded in Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres measuring 225/40 as standard.

A subtle styling makeover joins the performance enhancements, with new Mokka GSE gaining enlarged bumper inserts at the front and rear, alongside GSE lettering on the side sills. These details were first spotted on the Mokka GSE Rally Prototype which previewed the new roadgoing variant in May of this year.

Inside, the performance model gains new two-piece bucket seats with Alcantara surfaces, and contrast stitching in white and neon yellow. The microfibre material features on the door cards, and across the rear bench in the five-seat cabin, and a new flattened steering wheel protrudes from the dashboard. Two 10” digital displays make up the infotainment system, with the central touchscreen showing performance data, G-forces, battery management data, and much more alongside the navigation and media functions. A new suite of GSE-specific graphics features on the pair of screens.

Pricing and specifications for the UK market will be revealed in the coming months, and a starting price around £38,000 is likely. We’ve already sampled the hardware in the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima, and it uses the mechanical LSD to great effect to create an agile, engaging performance crossover that handles like a true hot hatch. We’re expecting the new Vauxhall Mokka GSE to follow suit.