Vauxhall Mokka GSE review: the electric crossover that surprises on track

Vauxhall has resurrected the GSE badge for its first performance electric crossover, and the company chose the fast, flowing Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire to prove the car's credentials. The Mokka GSE shares its Stellantis platform with the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, but Vauxhall insists it has stamped its own character on the package.

Beneath the relatively subtle bodywork sits a 51 kWh battery driving a front-mounted motor with 281 hp and 254 lb ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential. The powertrain is identical to the one used in the ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup car campaigned by Ioan Lloyd and Sion Williams. A 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a 124 mph top speed make this the fastest all-electric Vauxhall yet.

Track focus

Engaging Sport mode unlocks the full 281 hp; Normal caps output at 231 hp and Eco drops it to 190 hp with a 93 mph limiter. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, spring rates increased front and rear, and the rear anti-roll bar stiffened by 189 per cent. New steering knuckles and a quicker rack reduce steering effort without altering the turning circle.

On Croft's high-speed corners the Mokka feels planted and adjustable. Lifting off mid-corner provokes a hint of oversteer before stability control intervenes, and the limited-slip differential works hard to minimise torque steer on exit. Kerb weight is just under 1,600 kg, yet the car changes direction with genuine purpose.

Few Mokka GSE owners are likely to venture beyond the car park of any given race track, but they will miss out on how much fun this Vauxhall can actually be.

Road manners and range reality

On public roads the track-tuned suspension delivers a firm ride that stops short of being a deal-breaker. The higher driving position helps place the car on country lanes, though torque steer becomes more obvious on broken surfaces. Sport mode disconnects regenerative braking for better pedal feel, but this lengthens pedal travel and can feel unnerving at first.

Driving enthusiastically slashes the official 209-mile range (achieved only with the optional Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyres) to around 150 miles. The standard Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubber is better suited to track use. DC rapid charging at up to 100 kW replenishes 10-80 per cent in roughly 30 minutes.

Interior and value

Cabin changes are restrained: heated GSE sport seats with integrated headrests, Alcantara upholstery with yellow stitching, a flat-bottom heated steering wheel, aluminium pedals and bespoke digital gauges on the 10-inch touchscreen. Otherwise it is standard Mokka, practical but short on flair. Boot space is 310 litres, behind the Abarth and Alfa rivals, and well short of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E's 523 litres.

Prices start at £36,995, reduced to £35,495 by the government's £1,500 Electric Car Grant. Leasing deals from under £300 a month are already appearing. Standard equipment includes Matrix LED headlights, a reversing camera, climate control, wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. The only options are a gloss black bonnet (£250) and the range-extending Goodyear tyres (£100).

Vauxhall has built one of the year's genuine performance surprises. The Mokka GSE delivers driver engagement that belies its crossover silhouette, even if the ride suffers on Britain's pockmarked roads and the real-world range demands compromise. At this price it is easy to recommend to anyone wanting an electric family car that is actually fun to drive.