Vauxhall has a long history of performance models. It all began with the Astra GTE way back in 1984. Taking on the Golf GTi, the fuel-injected hot hatch boasted a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 115bhp. This was enough to launch the GTE from rest to 60mph in a competitive 8.5 seconds.

Come the ‘90s, Vauxhall performance variants wore the GSi moniker but more recently the company introduced the GSE (Grand Sport Electric) performance sub-brand, with plug-in hybrid versions of many of its models. Now, GSE is going fully electric starting with the Mokka.

An invite to Croft Circuit was quickly accepted, with the opportunity to try the car not only on challenging local roads, but also on track. How would this family-friendly car perform under extreme conditions? I think the assembled gathering of motoring journalists were suitably intrigued.

On paper performance figures suggest a 0-60mph sprint time of under six seconds and a top speed of 124mph if you had access to a track, which of course I did. Croft is quite a short circuit so I cannot confirm that figure, though I did see over 100mph on the speedo when I dared to look.

Speed and acceleration would be nothing if there weren’t changes to the standard car under the skin and of course Vauxhall’s engineers have been busy. Highlights include:

Performance-tuned Torsen limited slip differential for, they say, rally-inspired driving dynamics.
Alcon four-piston front brake callipers with 380mm front discs.
100% friction braking in Sport mode.
GSE-optimised pedal tuning.
Electrically assisted steering with faster rack.
Motorsport-developed chassis with lower ride height, stiffer spring rates, uprated axles and shocks.
Unique GSE performance data such as G-force display, acceleration data etc.
Performance-inspired interior.

Externally there are clues that the GSE is no ordinary Mokka. A bolder bumper design, rather snazzy aerodynamically-optimised 20-inch alloy wheels through which you can see the yellow front brake callipers, some GSE lettering and a black contrast roof complete the look. There is the option to specify a black bonnet (£250), a nod to Vauxhall rally cars of old. I’m not sure I would.

The Mokka GSE interior has been upgraded too with comfortable, yet supportive GSE sports seats trimmed in Alcantara with yellow accent stitching. The heated vegan leather steering wheel, flattened slightly at the top and bottom, was gripped tightly on track and through it can be seen the highly customisable 10-inch digital driver information display. Feet will caress the alloy sports pedals and whilst no heeling and toeing will be required, the brake pedal is well sited for left-foot braking.

Vauxhall quote a WLTP range of 209 miles and for owners needing to eke out the maximum number of miles from the 54kWh lithium-ion battery, ‘Eco’ mode reduces the power to 190hp. Acceleration is smoother, there’s a tad less torque and a lower top speed. I suspect most drivers will default to ‘Normal’ mode, now with 231hp to play with and a sporty calibration for throttle and steering.

‘Sport’ mode ups the ante with a heady 281hp and track calibration for throttle, steering, brakes and the ESP. I did try it on the road route and it was fun, but at the expense of the indicated range. I would guess a few hard-charging road hours in ‘Sport’ could easily knock 60/70 miles off the range.

Driven on tarmac in ‘Normal’ mode, there is a firmness to the suspension in keeping with the GSE’s sporting DNA, but even on some poor sections of tarmac it was never uncomfortable. It was easy to get into a rhythm, the GSE powering briskly from corner to corner. A little whine from the motor, but otherwise nothing to disturb the calm of the cabin.

You can cover ground quickly, flicking into ‘Sport’ mode when a brisk overtake is required. Was it fun though, that’s the thought I have sitting at my desk writing this review some days after the drive? Enjoyable, yes. Fun, probably not.

But what about the time on track I hear you ask? Let’s just say that track driving is not something I relish, and I always feel restricted wearing a crash helmet. However, I have driven Croft Circuit a few times and I was lucky enough to have the track to myself, with other journalists busy elsewhere. I drove as hard and fast as I dared and the Mokka GSE handled my brutish driving rather well.

The brakes inspired confidence, so much so that I left braking later and later each lap for the corners and the seats held me nicely in place. It was great to be able to deploy full power, the limited slip diff ensuring there were no dramas. I am sure the more skilled could have knocked many seconds off my lap times, but the track officials seemed pleased with my efforts. They were probably just being polite!

So, what has Vauxhall created here? The Mokka GSE will still serve as a capable family SUV. Drop the children off at school engage ‘Sport’ mode and enjoy a brisk drive to work, perhaps. The styling is relatively subtle, so shouldn’t attract unwarranted attention, but maybe that misses the point.

And with the relatively modest range, the ability to charge the GSE at home will be essential, especially in winter when the range will likely drop still further.

Overall, a likeable package, on your drive for a relatively affordable £35,495 after the deduction of the Electric Car Grant. A test drive at your friendly Vauxhall deal may convince you. Expect more GSE models very soon, the Corsa being the next for the sporty treatment.

Fast Facts
Vauxhall Mokka GSE
Price £36,995 OTR (£35,495 inc Electric Car Grant)
281hp and 345Nm of torque
0-62mph in 5.9 seconds
Top speed 124mph
Up to 209 miles of range
54kWh lithium-ion battery
Kerb weight 1,597kg
0-80% DC charge (100kW) in 30 minutes
4* Euro NCAP safety rating