Vauxhall Mokka GSE Review
When Vauxhall asked if I wanted to test a “hot Mokka,” I have to admit I was confused. They weren’t talking about coffee. They meant the Mokka GSE, a small electric hot hatch with 276 brake horsepower, a limited-slip front differential, and plenty of rally-inspired details.
At first glance, it’s not the kind of car you’d expect. Growing up, Vauxhall GSIs and VXRs were affordable performance cars for everyone. A hot electric Mokka wasn’t on my list of dream cars. But now that I’ve driven it, I can honestly say it’s more exciting than I expected.
Exterior and First Impressions
The Mokka GSE keeps the look familiar but adds some sporty touches:
Lower stance: 10 mm lower suspension gives it a slightly wider track.
20-inch bespoke wheels unique to this model.
Yellow brake calipers on the front highlight four-pot Alcon brakes on 380 mm discs.
Front bumper has horizontal styling, corner air curtains, and GSE branding.
Subtle rear updates with small bumper inserts and extra branding.
Matrix LED headlights are standard.
It’s sporty, but not flashy. The design says performance without trying too hard.
Interior and Cabin
Inside, the Mokka GSE is familiar but with performance in mind:
GSE-specific seats with integrated headrests and larger bolsters hug you through corners.
Oval steering wheel flattened top and bottom for a sporty feel.
Performance dials show torque split, battery temperature, voltage, G-meter, and acceleration timers.
Driving modes:
Eco: 190 bhp, optimized for range.
Normal: 230 bhp, balanced performance.
Sport: 276 bhp, full power.
Rear seats are the same as a standard Mokka. Legroom is limited, and the integrated front headrests make it a bit dark back there.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Mokka GSE’s electric motor produces 276 bhp and 254 lb-ft of torque, which is 122 bhp more than the standard Mokka. Acceleration is respectable: 0-62 mph in about 5.9 seconds. But what really stands out is the handling.
Vauxhall applied lessons from their one-make electric rally championship to the road car:
Torsen front differential delivers torque to the wheel with grip.
Stiffer anti-roll bars improve cornering stability.
Faster steering makes it feel precise.
Bigger wheels and tires for improved traction.
On twisty roads and even a racetrack, the Mokka GSE feels confident. You can brake late, throw it into a corner, and the diff helps tighten your line. Despite being front-wheel-drive, it doesn’t feel unbalanced.
Real-World Experience
Driving an electric hatch like this is different from a petrol hot hatch:
Weight: Just under 1,600 kg, which you can feel in tight corners.
Mechanical grip: Impressive for a car of this size.
Brakes: Four-pot Alcon brakes give plenty of stopping power.
Steering: Well-weighted and responsive.
Acceleration: Sporty but not overwhelming. The car is more about handling than straight-line speed.
It’s quiet, but that doesn’t make it boring. The Mokka GSE proves an electric hot hatch can be fun without fake engine noise.
Range and Charging
Range is the main compromise for this sporty EV:
WLTP range: 209 miles with optional Goodyear tires (£100 extra), 201 miles with standard Michelins.
Track or spirited driving: Can drop below 100 miles.
Charging:
DC fast charging: 100 kW, 10-80% in around 30 minutes.
AC charging: 11 kW for overnight use.
Using the car’s full power will drain the battery faster, but a bigger battery would make it less nimble. It’s a trade-off Vauxhall clearly considered.
Price and Value
The Mokka GSE costs $36,995, or $35,495 with the UK government grant. For that, you get:
Rally-inspired handling.
A powerful electric drivetrain.
Unique styling and interior touches.
It’s priced aggressively for what it offers, though range limits its everyday practicality.
Who Is This Car For?
The Mokka GSE is a niche car:
Not for older buyers: Limited range and sporty suspension may be too demanding.
Not for trend-focused young buyers: Mokka’s image isn’t particularly cool.
Perfect for enthusiasts: Anyone who enjoys engaging handling, rally-inspired tech, and a fun compact electric hot hatch.
Final Thoughts
I came to this test with low expectations, but the Mokka GSE surprised me. It’s sporty, fun, and genuinely engaging to drive. Yes, the range is limited, and the rear seats are tight, but the handling and performance more than make up for it.
Pros: Fun handling, rally-inspired tech, powerful brakes, responsive steering, sporty styling.
Cons: Limited range, small rear seats, slight torque steer, niche appeal.
The Mokka GSE shows that an electric Vauxhall can be thrilling, proving you don’t need a petrol engine to make a hot hatch entertaining.
