VAUXHALL has opened order books for the Astra GSe and Grandland GSe models.

Prices across the new GSe range start from £40,550 for Astra GSe models, with first deliveries due from early summer. Astra Sports Tourer GSe will go on sale towards the summer.

GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric and is the new performance sub-brand from Vauxhall, integrating electric performance credentials with sharp handling and styling.

Each of the GSe models features unique styling upgrades, inside and out, and comes with uprated electrified drivetrains and improved handling thanks to suspension and steering upgrades.

Both the Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe feature styling upgrades to help them stand out on the road.

A 10mm lower profile thanks to revised suspension and damping, and 18-inch wheels give the vehicles a distinct stance, while a black roof and black Griffin logos are also featured.

Inside Alcantara-trimmed performance front seats, certified by Germany's AGR (Aktion Gesunder RuÌcken or Campaign for Healthier Backs) and a GSe-specific leather steering wheel are included as part of the GSe upgrades.

Across both Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models, the suspension has been enhanced with 11 per cent stiffer springs and come with frequency selective damping technology by specialists KONI for further improvement in ride and handling.

The steering has also been recalibrated to deliver a response that is 9% faster, for a sportier feel, while the electronic stability control (ESC) has been set to engage slightly later.

Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models feature Intelli-Drive technology with forward collision alert and active emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Also included is drowsiness detection, lane departure warning and traffic sign assistant, cross traffic and side blind spot alert and automatic speed assistant with stop function.

Both the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe come with upgraded performance from the plug-in hybrid powertrain seen on the conventional model range.

Both models are powered by a 180ps 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine, connected to an 81.2kW (110ps) electric motor for a total power output of 225ps and maximum torque of 360Nm. Featuring a 12.4kWh battery, Astra GSe models achieve up to 40 miles of electric range, while Astra Sports Tourers achieve 39 miles between charges.

With emissions as low as 25g/km CO2and 26g/km CO2, the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models are eligible for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just eight per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

Prices for Astra GSe start from £40,550 - £150 more than Astra Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid it is based on despite the extra performance, handling and design - with Astra Sports Tourer GSe pricing to be confirmed at a later date.

The Grandland GSe is Vauxhall's most powerful model with 300ps and all-wheel drive thanks to the combination of a 200ps 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, an 81.2kW (110ps) at the front and an 83kw (113ps) at the rear axle.

With emissions as low as 27g/km CO2, and a fully electric range of 41 miles, the Grandland GSe qualifies for an eight per cent benefit-in-kind taxation.

As with the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe, Grandland GSe models come with several styling upgrades, including 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, AGR-certified seating and a GSe-specific steering wheel.

On top of the technologies featured in Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models, Grandland GSe models also come with advanced park assist. Night vision is also available as an optional extra, at a cost of £1,300.

With MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear, the Grandland GSe is also fitted with firmer springs and dampers with the KONI FSD technology, enabling different damping characteristics for the optimum balance between ride comfort and handling.

As a result, it offers more precise and consistent responses while retaining superior stability under braking, in corners and at higher speed.

Prices for Grandland GSe models start from £43,700 - representing a £1,340 price walk from Grandland Ultimate Plug-in Hybrid to access the enhanced experience, extra 75 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the GSe model has to offer.

Official fuel economy for the Astras is rated at 256.8 mpg while the Grandland GSe comes on 235.4 to the gallon.