The fastest electric Vauxhall is this new Mokka GSE, and it’ll do 0-62mph in 5.9s

This is the Vauxhall Mokka GSE, and when it arrives at some undisclosed point in the future, it will be no less than the fastest all-electric Vauxhall. Admittedly not the highest bar to breach, but still: Fast Vauxhalls are back!

Only, this won’t get any actual drive to the back, because it’s front-wheel drive only. Taking its inspiration from the GSE Rally prototype - and Opel's involvement in e-rallying - Vauxhall has sent its Mokka to Motorsport School. So, there’s a 54kWh battery, a 276bhp/255lb ft front-mounted motor and a Torsen multi-plate limited slip diff. You're already seeing the similarities to other hot crossovers in the Stellantis stable, aren't you?

Then come a shiny new set of ‘double hydraulic’ dampers, a rear axle that’s 189 per cent stiffer than the regular car (don’t sneeze during a corner or you’ll fly), and further undisclosed tweaks to the steering and chassis. Massive brakes, too: 380mm/four-pots up front, courtesy of Alcon.

All this motorsport finery means the new Mokka GSE will be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.9s and top out at 124mph. Fast. Vauxhall claims a 1.6-tonne kerbweight – impressive for an EV – and the option of three driving modes including normal, eco and sport. You can guess what each one does.

No need to guess about its design. You’ll spot GSE inserts, new 20in wheels hiding yellow calipers, Alcantara sports seats and inserts, a new steering wheel, and a GSE-specific design for the touchscreen. All of this laid on top of a car that scooped a TG design award a few years ago.

“The Mokka GSE is made to be exciting to drive and builds on a proud heritage of sporting Vauxhalls for the modern electric era,” said Vauxhall boss Steve Catlin.

No word on when it’ll arrive or indeed how much this sporting Vauxhall will cost, but stay tuned.