UK Drive: Has Vauxhall produced a proper performance car with the Mokka GSE?

What is it?

Vauxhall is looking backwards to add some excitement to its cars. The new GSE sporty sub-brand is designed to bring back the days of GTE and VXR-badged hot Vauxhalls of yesteryear, but for a new electric era.

After a bit of a lukewarm start in 2023 with plug-in hybrid versions of the Astra and previous-generation Grandland, the GSE gets its proper launch with the popular Mokka. To add some cred to the badge, Vauxhall has even taken the Mokka GSE into motorsport in a one-make electric rally European rally championship.

What’s new?

Vauxhall has taken the sharply styled but pretty conventional-to-drive Mokka and turned things up a notch. This hot Mokka doesn’t just wear a set of GSE badges, but there are new front and rear bumpers, a reworked interior, and a set of enormous 20-inch wheels. Underneath has had a good going over, too.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Mokka shares the same platform as a whole swathe of hatchbacks and crossovers from the Stellantis stable, and for this hot version there’s a bit of family similarities on show too.

Just like the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, Abarth 600e Scorpionissima, Peugeot E-208 GTi and its recently revealed smaller sibling, the Vauxhall Corsa GSE, the Mokka GSE gets a 54kWh battery mated to an electric motor that packs a chunky 277bhp and 345Nm of torque. In the Mokka, this gives a potent 0-60mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a 124mph top speed.

Meanwhile, Vauxhall claims 209 miles is possible from a full charge. But as I discovered, driving the GSE in an enthusiastic way and 150 miles is far more likely. Also, its 100kW maximum DC charging speed is a little on the mediocre side.

What’s it like to drive?

The GSE is more than just a fancy exterior makeover. Under the skin lies some serious engineering modifications – the spring rates have been revised 49 per cent front and 35 per cent rear, there’s a new 30.8mm anti-roll bar for the torsion-beam rear suspension, faster steering, four-piston Alcon front brakes, and a Torsen locking front differential to name just a few.

Naturally, with 277bhp, the GSE is quick in a straight line, but it’s the handling that’s the real highlight. There’s a bit of roll in the corners and the ride is on the jiggly side. But plant the throttle and the differential pulls the car back into line, and the steering gives excellent feedback – you can really feel the road through it. Overall, the GSE gives off a convincing old-school hot hatch experience – just sadly without any noise.

How does it look?

Vauxhall has succeeded in giving the Mokka GSE some visual aggression, without overplaying it. You won’t find any massive rear wings, bonnet scoops and loud paint schemes, just subtle tweaks that give off enough of a sporty vibe. If it’s a little too muted for you then you can specify a black bonnet for £250, giving some 1970s rally car flair.

What’s it like inside?

The subtle makeover is carried over to the inside, but here it kind of falls short. The fixtures and fittings are a little too standard Mokka, so it’s a smartly designed interior with well-laid out controls, but it’s a little dull. Thankfully there’s a pair of Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats, complete with yellow stitching and GSE badges – they’re very comfortable, supportive, and the only reminders that you’re in a performance car.

Back seat space is just as limited as the standard Mokka, so six-footers will really struggle for knee room, and the 310-litre boot is a bit on the small side.

What’s the spec like?

As the GSE sits at the top of the Mokka range, it comes fully loaded. Heated seats, Matrix LED headlights, a digital driver’s display, 10-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are just some of the highlights. There are also a couple of options available – aside from the black bonnet, you can choose more efficient Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres for £100.

Verdict

It may fly a little under radar with its discreet looks, but don’t dismiss this GSE as simply a tarted up Mokka. There’s some real engineering prowess under the skin that gives a really engaging and fun driving experience.