Shock factor: I’ve compared two of the latest electric hot hatchbacks. Which one should you buy?

The Cupra Raval VZ Extreme and Vauxhall Corsa GSE are small hot hatchbacks – but they’re both electric. Are they as good as petrol hot hatches, and which one should you buy? Senior reviews writer Mario Christou compares them to see what’s what

What type of car is small, sensible and cheap to run, while also capable of putting a smile on your face at the same time? That would be the hot hatchback, and though petrol options may be a dying breed, the Cupra Raval VZ Extreme and Vauxhall Corsa GSE are here as all-electric alternatives.

Are they any good, though, and which of the two should you choose?

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Cupra Raval VZ Extreme vs Vauxhall Corsa GSE: design and desirability

First off, a hot hatch should get you excited at first glance. Sure, there are understated options to choose from, but a bit of visual flair goes a long way in performance car circles.

Cupra and Vauxhall have taken very different approaches here, because while the Corsa has been around (more or less) in its current form for years, the much younger Raval is a far more futuristic design. I’m torn, to be honest.

See, I love the Cupra’s crazy lines, pointy lights and creases all along its bodywork. I thought the Extreme model’s matte green paint was naff when I first saw it in photos, but I’ve fallen for it in person – hard. I much prefer the green to Cupra’s typical copper-coloured touches.

The Corsa GSE, meanwhile, is a bit beefier than the Raval on account of its swollen wheel arches. The overall silhouette is lower than the Cupra’s – the same as the petrol Corsa – but the retro-tastic three-spoke wheels not only look great, they give it a seriously aggressive stance.

I’d say it’s a draw on the styling front, with the Cupra being more modern and the Corsa having an old-school charm. What about the interiors?

Cupra Raval VZ Extreme vs Vauxhall Corsa GSE: interior style and practicality

Well, it’s at this point that the Raval pulls ahead. Again, seeing as the Corsa GSE shares its basic layout and packaging with the petrol Corsa, it’s more compromised on interior space than the bespoke, electric Cupra.

Both cars feature achingly cool and supportive bucket seats, but where the Raval has a surprising amount of headroom and storage space for such a small car, the Corsa is a bit cramped by comparison.

The cars are worlds apart for rear-seat space, too, with the Corsa far tighter than the Raval in both headroom and legroom. The Vauxhall’s 267-litre boot capacity pales in comparison to the 441 litres in the Raval.

It’s not just space, but style where both models vary, too. The Cupra’s dashboard is far more attractive and modern, whereas the Corsa just feels a bit like a holiday hire car, by comparison with its basic design and plain plastics.

Cupra Raval VZ Extreme vs Vauxhall Corsa GSE: driving impressions

This is where things get interesting, because it doesn’t matter how good a hot hatchback looks if it’s pants to drive. Fortunately, neither of these cars disappoint on that front. There are actually loads of similarities between the two, even though they take fairly different approaches in their mechanical make-ups.

The Corsa GSE carries on its old-school approach with lots of high-performance parts such as the uprated brakes and a mechanical limited-slip differential. Both gave me loads of confidence on a twisty road, though while the brakes are very powerful, I find them a little vague as I initially press the pedal.

Meanwhile, the Raval VZ uses computer technology to its advantage, with an electronic limited-slip diff (it applies a bit of one-wheel braking into turns) and a clever mishmash of software and hardware to turn up the bite – and sharpness – of the brakes. I think it’s brilliant and works very well, even if the Corsa GSE has more stopping power on paper.

Both cars, however, share the same problem. They feature incredibly stiff suspension which is wonderful on the race track or a smooth European lane, but means I was bounced around like crazy on a beaten-up country lane.

While I enjoy a silly, lively and exciting hot hatchback I found this to be a bit excessive at times – as did Carwow’s managing editor Darren Cassey. The Corsa’s heavier steering makes it a brute where the Cupra’s clever tech gives it a touch more finesse.

Cupra Raval VZ Extreme vs Vauxhall Corsa GSE: verdict

It’s hard to decide between the pair, to be honest. On one hand, the Corsa GSE’s old-school charm makes it much more of a character than the Cupra, and there’s a lot to be said about a car that’s more than the sum of its parts.

On the other hand, the Corsa GSE is far more flawed than the Raval VZ Extreme, not just in practicality but also in how posh it feels. It also has a touch less range at 220 miles (on sticky Michelin tyres) compared to the Cupra’s 238 miles, though I’d have been lucky to see 170 miles out of either after some enthusiastic road testing…

If I could only have one car, I’d have the Cupra. It’s far easier to live with, and arguably that makes it a better hot hatchback. If I were choosing a second car, however, the Corsa GSE would get my vote. It’s more exciting, and I love its silliness.

Technically these are great little hot hatchbacks, but there’s still something missing compared to a petrol car. The lack of vibration, perhaps, or a real exhaust note. These are two brilliant hot hatches, no doubt, but they’re a bit like Coke Zero. They’re just not as satisfying as the real thing.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.