New Vauxhall Corsa GSE Awarded ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ at News UK Motor Awards 2026

•  New Vauxhall Corsa GSE wins ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ at the News UK Motor Awards 2026

• Judges praised the GSE for its design, performance, and driving experience

• The GSE is the most powerful production Corsa of all time with 281PS, and the fastest accelerating Vauxhall on sale with a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds

• Vauxhall Corsa GSE delivers attainable performance in line with Vauxhall’s hot hatch heritage and is available to order now for just £34,495 OTR (£32,995 inc. Electric Car Grant)

• The New Vauxhall Corsa GSE has been awarded ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ at the News UK Motor Awards 2026 

The News UK Motor Awards 2026 celebrate the standout new cars shaping today’s market, recognising models across key categories spanning family, city, adventure, and performance cars. Winners are selected by an expert judging panel of leading automotive journalists from News UK titles, including The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times Magazine, and LUXX Magazine.

 The judges praised the New Vauxhall Corsa GSE for its classic racing-inspired design, impressive performance, and fun driving experience. Rob Gill, Motors Editor at The Sun, said “The best colour is white. Like Vauxhall's old race cars. I think we can all agree on that. Small Car. Big Power. Tartan Seats. I had so much fun testing Vauxhall Corsa GSE at Croft, I didn’t want to give it back.”

 

Eurig Druce, Vauxhall Managing Director, said: “The New Corsa GSE marks a strong return to the hot hatch segment for Vauxhall, bringing both performance and driver appeal, with the benefits of fully electric power. Corsa remains Britain’s best-selling small car, and with the GSE we are continuing Vauxhall’s tradition of sporty superminis in a way that reflects today’s move to electrification. Thank you to the News UK judges for recognising it as ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ for 2026.”

The new Vauxhall Corsa GSE is the most powerful production Corsa of all time, with 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds. Building on the rally-inspired  Vauxhall Mokka GSE, the Corsa GSE features a Torsen® mechanical limited slip differential, extensive chassis upgrades, Alcon® four-piston front brake callipers with 355mm discs, distinctive exterior details and retro-inspired interior touches. Priced at £32,995 including the Electric Car Grant (ECG)*, the Corsa GSE delivers high performance while maintaining everyday practicality.

New Hot Hatch Ready to Impress: Opel Corsa GSE now Available to Order

• Pure electric power: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
• Design sends pulses racing: GSE front and rear, 18-inch wheels, Alcon high-performance brakes, performance seats, yellow seatbelts, performance displays and much more
• Comprehensively equipped: Opel Corsa GSE available from 39,900 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)

For fans of hot hatches, the wait is over. Because today Opel is opening the order books for the new Opel Corsa GSE. The new high-performance variant of Germany's best-selling small car takes the tradition of hot hatches with the Blitz into the future. All those who want to experience the unmistakable GSE feeling can now order the all-electric Opel Corsa GSE from €39,900 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

For just a few thousand euros more than a similarly equipped Opel Corsa Electric, customers will get almost twice as much electric power, plus a complete GSE package that leaves little to be desired: This starts with the typical GSE design, which has many highlights in store both outside and inside. The output of 207 kW (281 hp) is transferred to the road via a specifically tuned sports chassis. In addition, drivers and passengers can expect the finest sporty comfort from the Alcantara performance seats, the extensive infotainment and assistance systems to name but a few. In a nutshell, the new Opel Corsa GSE combines the best of two worlds: emotional sportiness with proven practicality. Following the launch of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Corsa GSE expands the range of battery-electric Opel everyday sports cars and takes the GSE experience to the next level.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds: No current Opel accelerates faster

The new Opel Corsa GSE promises emotions, excitement and high performance combined with all-electric driving pleasure – and is equipped accordingly. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque, the newcomer offers just as much electric power as the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ 2 winning Mokka GSE. But the Corsa GSE flexes its muscles a little more. Because it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel! Drivers can push the needle to 180 km/h on a clear German Autobahn. The performance is underlined by an active sports sound developed exclusively for the new Opel Corsa GSE in Rüsselsheim, which accompanies the driving experience depending on acceleration and speed. This makes the performance audible to the driver and passengers.

The sophisticated technology supports exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback. For example, the Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with a Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic bump stops. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

Depending on the track, traffic situation and preference, Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different drive modes: ‘Sport’ with special ‘racetrack’-optimised calibration for the pure performance feeling, ‘Normal’ for everyday use or ‘Eco’ for the greatest possible efficiency. The new Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery (51 kWh usable capacity). Up to 374 kilometres (according to WLTP 3) can be covered locally emissions-free with a full battery. And when the newcomer needs recharging, this can be done in around 27 minutes at a public DC fast-charging station 4 (from 20 to 80 per cent of the battery capacity).

Opel Corsa GSE: A design that gives you goosebumps, speed and emotions

However, the new Opel Corsa GSE does not only convey its high-performance claim when the accelerator pedal is pressed – it also does so at first glance. For example, the GSE-specific front apron and the rear are even sharper than in the other model variants. Characteristic black trim and inserts in the lower part of the vehicle and on the wide wheel arches provide a strong contrast to the Kontur White metallic paintwork. The carbon-black roof as well as the black exterior mirror housings and the black rear spoiler reinforce this effect.

With sporty 18-inch wheels – more precisely: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres – the new Opel Corsa GSE retains its grip even in high-performance mode. The striking rims in a three-spoke design and the yellow Alcon brake calipers with clearly visible GSE lettering are further eye-catchers. And the characteristic GSE abbreviation is confidently emblazoned on the sides of the vehicle.

Inside, the new Opel Corsa GSE combines traditional hot hatch elements with forward-looking GSE design. The prime example of this are the Alcantara performance seats with fabric inserts in a black, grey and yellow retro chequered pattern. The firm and secure hold is guaranteed by the taut side bolsters and the headrests integrated into the seats, which also bear the GSE logo. Bright yellow belts as well as the door inserts and the centre armrest with yellow stitching form a strong contrast.

High-performance meets everyday life: Extensive standard equipment in sporty style

The driver has everything under control with the Alcantara-covered sports steering wheel; Acceleration and braking commands are given via the aluminium sports pedals. The multi-customisable digital driver information display and the central 10-inch colour touchscreen transmit the necessary information. And for sporty drivers, the GSE-style displays provide performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more.

For all its sportiness, the new Opel Corsa GSE also demonstrates its everyday qualities: Like every battery-electric Corsa it offers a load volume of 267 to 1,042 litres. Standard equipment details such as the heated seats and steering wheel as well as the 180-degree reversing camera, navigation system, adaptive cruise control and the Keyless Entry & Start system increase comfort and safety. And if Corsa GSE drivers want to power external devices this can be supplied from the vehicle battery thanks to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L) 5.

The high-performance version of the small car bestseller, which can be ordered now, thus combines emotional sportiness with proven, battery-electric everyday usability. Opel and the new Corsa GSE will also demonstrate this in October at the Paris Motor Show, where the latest production GSE addition will celebrate its trade fair premiere.

[2] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

[3] The stated range was determined using the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning.

[4] The charging power / charging time is influenced by several factors and can vary depending on the type and power of the charging station, the outside temperature, the battery temperature, the battery charge and aging status, the vehicle equipment and settings on the vehicle, among other things.

[5] For full V2L functionality, an accessory adapter is required.

New Opel Corsa GSE: Hot Hatch Tradition Reloaded

• Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models
• Small, strong, fast: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm, from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds 
• From the Opel Corsa A GSi to the new Opel Corsa GSE: Each Corsa generation enthuses fans with at least one highly dynamic version

Compact, quick and seriously powerful: the new Opel Corsa GSE 1 delivers electrifying driving pleasure in its purest form! This new everyday performance car – which will arrive later this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October – is turning heads not just with its striking, racy ‘hot hatch’ design. Above all, its performance figures speak for themselves: With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque it will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. Added to this is the fastest acceleration of any current Opel production model: in just 5.5 seconds, the Opel Corsa GSE propels the speedometer needle from 0 to 100 km/h 1. This is high performance in a compact package and makes the new Corsa GSE the most powerful production Corsa to date.

At the same time, the new high-performance version of Germany’s and UK’s bestselling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future. Ever since the first generation of the model, Opel has been offering Corsa fans the chance to drive an extra-hot and sporty version of the beloved small car. The ‘hot hatch’ fun all began in 1988 with the Corsa GSi. Since 2007, the various versions and generations of the Corsa OPC have been providing adrenaline rushes. And now the new, all-electric Corsa GSE is on the starting blocks, ready to deliver the ultimate driving experience a small car can offer!

The first Opel Corsa GSi: A car as dynamic as a motorcycle

In 1988, the first Opel Corsa GSi entered the market. A car as dynamic as a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilogrammes light, with prominent wheel-arches, sports seats, 74 kW (100 hp) and 188 km/h fast.

The 1.6-litre injection engine newly developed for the launch accelerated the sportive first-generation Opel Corsa to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds. With powerful low-end torque, the car has always brought a smile to Opel Corsa GSi drivers’ faces when they step on the accelerator pedal. To bring the higher performance and agility onto the road, Opel engineers adapted the chassis and brakes of the Corsa to the GSi specification. The extra features included stiffer springs, specially tuned shock absorbers as well as larger, internally ventilated front disc brakes. Anti-roll bars at the front and rear kept the car safely on track in corners.

The designers also reflected the sporty character of the first Opel Corsa GSi in its appearance. The standard specification at the time already included sports seats, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, a rev counter, sports alloy wheels and wide tyres. With its technology and design, the first-generation Opel Corsa GSi paved the way for future generation sporty Corsa models.

GSi = fun-to-drive: Opel Corsa B GSi and Opel Corsa C GSi boost performance

A particularly sporty model variant hit the road in 1993, the Opel Corsa GSi 16V. It featured colour-keyed side-sills and bumpers as well as front and rear spoilers. The standard equipment also included electronically controlled ABS, a rev-counter and wide tyres.

As most powerful Corsa model of its time, the second-generation Opel Corsa GSi offered 80 kW (109 hp) and impressed once more with plenty of power from low revs (‘low-end torque characteristics’). The small car could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 195 km/h. A sporty chassis and gas-filled shock absorbers helped to bring the performance onto the road. The Corsa driver could shift gear using the five-speed sports gearbox, and the standard power steering helped to steer through tight bends with ease. Sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel created the right atmosphere in the cockpit.

In 2001, the Opel Corsa C GSi followed in the footsteps of its predecessor – stronger, faster and more powerful than before. With a top speed of 202 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, the third-generation Corsa GSi was the fastest production Corsa to date. At the same time, the Corsa GSi’s 92 kW (125 hp) 1.8-litre engine impressed not only in terms of power but also, thanks to 165 Newton metres of torque, with sporty bursts of acceleration while maintaining modest fuel consumption. This was made possible by an advanced engine management system controlling sequential fuel injection, particularly precise fuel distribution, ignition and other functions. Even back then, the developers focused on delivering sporty driving pleasure in the most resource-efficient way possible.

Start of the Opel Corsa OPC era in 2007: Even sportier, stronger and more expressive

From 2007 onwards, the ‘OPC’ abbreviation had finally come to stand for pure dynamic driving fun in the Opel Corsa as well. In that year, Opel presented the Corsa D OPC with 141 kW (192 hp) and 266 Newton metres of torque. With a dark-contrasting diffuser, striking gills, powerful front and rear aprons and a roof spoiler, the OPC showed at first glance what drivers could expect. But the end of the line had not yet been reached. In 2010, the Corsa OPC ‘Nürburgring Edition’ – the most powerful Corsa to date – followed. Its characteristics: 154 kW (210 hp), 280 Newton metres of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h! The newly developed Bilstein performance chassis and the special high-performance braking system from Brembo brought the power safely to the road.

Opel continued to cater to GSi fans amongst Corsa drivers too: For all those who preferred a more discreet sportiness with superior power delivery, Opel had also the fourth-generation Corsa GSi on offer. With 110 kW (150 hp) and a top speed of 210 km/h, the for the first time turbo-charged car closed the gap between the ‘ordinary’ production Corsa and the high-performance OPC variant.

 

The OPC of the fifth-generation Corsa, which followed in 2015, also demonstrated right from the start that, whether on the famous Green Hell of the Nürburgring race track or in the urban jungle, the Corsa E OPC feels at home anywhere. Once again being the fastest member of the Corsa family with a top speed of 230 km/h, it combined uncompromising sportiness with superb everyday practicality. This sporty car, just under four metres long, impressed with its powerful turbo engine delivering 152 kW (207 hp) and 280 Newton metres of torque, its agile handling and, last but not least, its sporty design: Recaro performance seats, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and sports pedals inside, as well as large air intakes, a strongly contoured bonnet, bold side skirts, a dominant rear spoiler and the twin exhaust tailpipes flanked by a diffuser on the outside all bore witness to the power of the Corsa OPC. And to channel this power onto the road in a controlled manner, the Corsa E OPC featured, for the first time, a suspension system with Frequency Selective Damping technology.

‘Hot hatch’, the next level: The new Opel Corsa GSE electrifies the public

To all who want to experience an exhilarating, high-performance driving experience in a state-of-the-art small car before the end of this year will not have to wait much longer. The new Opel Corsa GSE is on the way. It succeeds the Opel Corsa OPC as the most powerful Corsa to date and takes the ‘hot hatch’ experience to the next level – uncompromising, thrilling and, above all, fully electric and locally emissions-free. After all, that is exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

 With 207 kW (281 hp) – that is 181 hp per 1,000 kilogrammes of vehicle weight! – and 345 Newton metres of torque, the new Opel Corsa GSE will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the top-of-the-line version of the model family becomes even more dynamic. With an acceleration of just 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h1, the high-performance Corsa pushes its driver into the GSE sports seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the Opel Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently showcases its performance. Numerous details – from the GSE-specific front and rear to 18-inch wheels, performance seats, yellow seatbelts to digital displays with performance data and much more – create a Corsa GSE design with genuine wow-factor and demonstrate what emotional, all-electric ‘hot hatch’ driving fun is all about in its purest form.

[1] All data are provisional. Vehicle not yet homologated and not yet available.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

New Opel Corsa GSE: Electrifying Resurrection of the Hot Hatch

• Power aplenty: 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Nm of torque
• No other production Opel accelerates faster: From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
• Hot, hotter, hot hatch design: GSE-specific front and rear, 18-inch wheels, Alcon high-performance brake system, performance seats, yellow seatbelts, digital displays with performance data and much more
• Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models

The new all-electric Opel Mokka GSE Rally competition vehicle, the Opel Mokka GSE rally car for the road and the breathtaking high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept: 2025 marked the resurrection of the highly dynamic GSE models. In 2026, Opel will once again expand the electrifying driving pleasure for everyone – with the new Opel Corsa GSE 1. The new high-performance variant of Germany's best-selling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future – pulsating, exciting and fully electric. The most powerful production Corsa of all time to date will be released this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. However, Opel has already removed the covers today by publishing the first official pictures of the new ‘hot hatch’.

Electrifying Opel Corsa GSE: Small car, exhilarating performance

The Opel Corsa GSE brings the sporty genes of previous Corsa generations back to life. As a GSi, the Corsa A already thrilled fans of highly dynamic small cars who wanted to experience driving pleasure and performance. With the new Opel Corsa GSE, Opel returns to the market of real ‘hot hatches’ and charges it with even more emotion, excitement, performance and all-electric driving pleasure. Because that's exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

Opel has already shown that battery-electric peak performance should not only be reserved for customers in the luxury segment with the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE last year. And in the same way, the new Opel Corsa GSE makes a clear statement with its performance figures. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres, the newcomer will offer just as much electric power as the current ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ [3] title holder Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the Corsa GSE becomes even more dynamic. With an acceleration of just 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h1, the high-performance Corsa pushes its driver into the GSE performance seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model. It reaches its top speed at 180 km/h 1.

Opel Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different driving modes: In ‘Sport’ mode, the electric car is tuned for pure performance and calls up full power with its special ‘racetrack’-optimised calibration; in ‘Normal’ mode it delivers 170 kW (231 hp) and a sporty set-up design, the top speed of up to 180 km/h1 is also possible, and in ‘Eco’ all settings are trimmed for the greatest possible efficiency; here the top speed is 150 km/h1. The new Opel Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery (51 kWh usable capacity). In order to ensure long-term, reliable sporty driving pleasure, the engineers have also adapted the temperature management system for the battery to the high GSE requirements.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

Opel Corsa GSE design with wow effect: Hot everyday athlete at first glance

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently displays its performance. While the well-known variants of the current Corsa generation already have a dynamic design, the ‘hot hatch’ also visually emphasises its high-performance claim down to the last detail with the GSE-specific front apron immediately catching the eye. Just like the rear, it is even sharper than in the other model variants. This is ensured, among other things, by visual ‘air intakes’ as well as the black trim in the lower part of the vehicle and on the wide wheel arches, which contrasts with the contour white shimmering paintwork. The black roof and the black rear spoiler reinforce this effect.

With sporty 18-inch rims and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres the new Corsa GSE boasts an uncompromising stance. Under the striking rims in a three-spoke design, the Alcon brake calipers with clearly visible GSE lettering are eye-catchers. This high-performance look is also underlined by the specific GSE abbreviation on the sides of the vehicle.

Opel Corsa GSE interior: Modern interpretation of the classic Opel hot hatch style

The bold GSE design is also reflected in the interior. Here, the ‘hot hatch’ idea comes back to life – as a reminiscence of the sporty models of the Opel Corsa A generation and at the same time interpreted in a modern and forward-looking way. The driver and front passenger sit on performance seats with Alcantara applications and integrated head restraints, which evoke memories with covers in a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern. Bright yellow seatbelts form a strong contrast. The highest quality is also conveyed by the Alcantara-covered steering wheel and door inserts, the armrests with yellow stitching and the instrument panel with GSE logo against a silver-grey background. Acceleration and braking commands are given via the aluminium sports pedals. Further specific interior trim options complete the offer for the Opel Corsa GSE.

The necessary information is transmitted to the driver by the digital driver information display, which can be personalised in many ways, and the central 10-inch colour touchscreen. This contains GSE performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more. The displays were also designed in the typical GSE style. The new Opel Corsa GSE is characterised by a technically high-quality and highly dynamic design down to the smallest detail, both inside and out.

In addition, the Opel Corsa GSE is equipped with numerous technology and comfort details that are as high-quality as they are practical. The repertoire includes features ranging from heated seats and steering wheel to the 180-degree reversing camera and the Keyless Entry & Start system to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L), which not only allows the everyday athlete to be charged, but can also be used to supply external devices from e-bikes to electric grills with energy directly from the vehicle's battery.

All this shows that the new Opel Corsa GSE is not a car that simply takes fans from A to B. It is a fully electric and at the same time practical ‘hot hatch’ that touches the soul and delivers a real OMG! GSE feeling. More information about the new Opel Corsa GSE will follow shortly.

[1] All data are provisional. Vehicle not yet homologated and not yet available.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

[3] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.