Here is our first official look at Vauxhall’s hot EV crossover in the metal, set to take the fight to the Alpine A290, electric Mini JCW and the duo it shares a platform with: the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. Available from £36,995 OTR, it is also eligible for the government's new electric car grant, reducing the price to £35,495.

That means the fastest Vauxhall EV undercuts all of its rivals, despite mustering the same class-leading 276bhp and 245lb-ft (345Nm) of torque as the Italians. 0–62mph comes up in 5.9 seconds, and the GSE will run on to a top speed of 124mph.

The GSE is also equipped with the same Torsen limited-slip differential as the Abarth, a new rear anti-roll bar with 189 per cent increased roll stiffness, double hydraulic bump stops, a specially developed steering rack and Alcon 380mm front brakes. With the standard-fit Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, the range is 201 miles on the WLTP cycle, which can be increased to 209 miles with the optional Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. 0–80% recharging takes 27 minutes using a 100kW DC rapid charger.

The GSE will feature three drive modes – Sport, Normal and Eco – with each one affecting the power output, response and range. Unlike hot Vauxhalls of recent memory, subtlety is the name of the game when it comes to the styling. The 20-inch diamond-cut wheels provide the biggest visual cue, alongside the GSE-specific bumpers, badging and gloss black highlights for the inserts, sills and roof. Intelligent Matrix headlights are also standard.

Inside, the GSE benefits from Alcantara-clad bucket seats with green stitching, aluminium pedals and twin 10-inch displays for the infotainment. Unique to the GSE are specific pages featuring performance data such as G-force display, acceleration and battery management.

As well as being cheaper than its competition, Mokka GSE customers who use Octopus Energy as their energy supplier can take advantage of the ‘Electric All In’ package collaboration, which includes £500 towards a home wallbox or public charging as well as 10,000 miles of free home charging. The first UK deliveries of the Vauxhall Mokka GSE are expected by the end of the year.