Opel Corsa GSE: the rival that the Peugeot E-208 GTi really didn’t need!

The Peugeot E-208 GTi won’t enjoy its status as Stellantis’ little electric sports star for long.

Opel is also launching a Corsa GSE with 280 hp, which is technically very close and sharp enough to seriously overshadow it.

Here’s a duel that promises to be tasty. A few months after the opening of orders for the Peugeot E-208 GTi, Opel unveils the new Corsa GSE. And on paper, the two cousins are almost evenly matched.

The Corsa boasts 280 hp and 345 Nm, transmitted to the front wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h. These figures are almost identical to those of the Peugeot, which is now rated at 281 hp, 345 Nm, and 5.5 seconds for 0 to 100 km/h.

Two true cousins

The kinship goes much deeper. Both use a 54 kWh gross battery and 51 kWh usable, as well as a limited-slip differential and a heavily revised chassis. Opel has equipped its Corsa with a multi-disc Torsen differential, specific suspensions, and Alcon four-piston brakes.

However, there is an interesting difference in their philosophy. The E-208 GTi, developed with Peugeot Sport, comes with very aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and clearly claims its GTi heritage. The Corsa opts for Pilot Sport 4S tires, potentially more versatile for daily use, and plays more on the spectacular side with its yellow seatbelts, matching Alcon calipers, and GSE ambiance.

Now, one crucial data remains: the French price of the Corsa GSE. The Peugeot E-208 GTi starts at 42,900 euros. If Opel manages to price its GSE significantly lower, the competition could become genuinely interesting.

Because for the first time, the most dangerous rival of the E-208 GTi could indeed come from… the other side of Stellantis.

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• 02/09/2026 15:48

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