An electrified performance sub-brand is born, with a nod to motoring’s past. By John Challen.

Vauxhall Astra GSe

Electric vehicles are becoming the norm for an ever-increasing number of drivers as more and more models hit the market. Others, for whatever reason, are not keen to engage or acknowledge the movement towards battery power, so require a bit of encouragement.

That’s not the only reason why Vauxhall has created the GSe – or Grand Sport Electric – nameplate, but it does reinforce the view that driving on battery power need not be boring or slow. In fact, GSe ensures that drivers get a top spec Vauxhall that delivers – according to the company – ‘precise handling, sporty design and a higher-performance electrified drivetrain’.

As well as powertrain upgrades, there are more driver-focused chassis upgrades, which sit comfortably alongside zero emissions motoring. Like all of the manufacturers, Vauxhall has specific targets when it comes to shifting to EV. In the UK brand’s case, it has committed to offering an electrified version of every model by next year, with only pure electric models on sale from 2028. The GSe brand – and the introduction of the Astra and Grandland models – is designed to kick-start the process, starting from a solid and reliable base.

The Astra GSe offers 225hp, a combination of a 1.6-litre engine and 12.4kW motor also providing 360Nm of torque. In comparison, the Grandland version boasts a turbocharged engine of the same size, with a larger (14.2kW) motor and 300hp and 520Nm. Like BMW and others, Vauxhall has gone down the aural pleasure route, with a specific GSe ‘engine’ sound developed for the cars when in electric driving mode. In reality, that’s potentially 40 miles driving on the battery only (up to 86mph), a setup that helps record CO2 figures for the Astra of 25-26g/km (27g/km for the Grandland).

Coming back to the chassis, the GSe cars offer a 10mm lower ride height, suspension that features frequency selective damping from industry specialist Koni, revised steering and bespoke ESC calibrations. The majority of the remainder of the Astra is, understandably, carried over from the standard car. However, there are specific GSe touches, including Alcantara AGR-certified heated front sport seats and a bespoke GSe heated steering wheel. The wheels are new, too – 18-inch numbers that are inspired by the Manta GSe concept.

On the road, you can instantly feel the improvements made to powertrain, chassis and overall driving experience. The zero to 62mph time of 7.5 seconds might not be lightning quick but, in reality, there’s more than enough power under the hood (and floor) for real world driving. Dynamically, the steering is sharper with more feel than the standard car, while in Sport mode, there’s a delayed activation of the ESC, which enables the limits of the car’s handling to be explored more easily. There’s more body control, meaning extra stability while cornering, adding to the entertainment factor of the GSe.

The GSe might not attract huge numbers of drivers, but it certainly helps spread the message that EV driving can – and will – be more fun than some people think!

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT?  Sporty electrified hatch

HOW MUCH?  from £40,550

ECONOMY?  256.8mpg

EMISSIONS?  25-26g/km

Key fleet model:  GSe

Pro’s: EV driving range; quality interior

Cons: Performance for some drivers; price

Seven-word summary:  Faster Vauxhall scratches a sought-after performance itch

Also consider:  SEAT Leon e-Hybrid / Peugeot 308 Hybrid / Volkswagen Golf GTE