The Astra will get all the attention, but the launch of Vauxhall's GSe performance sub-brand, also sees the introduction of the most powerful current Griffin-badged model and the most potent version of the Grandland family SUV. 

The makeover and ingredients are largely the same as the family hatch. Outside, fresh from last year's facelift where the Grandland received the family 'Vauxhall Vizor' nose, one of the biggest changes is the 19in 'Monza' alloy wheels, which were inspired by the model that last wore the GS/E badge (the '80s Monza), and a contrasting black roof and bonnet. The bonnet certainly spices up the Grandland's generic dating looks - but is not for the UK. 

Elsewhere, apart from the distinctive GSe badging, this Grandland gets a unique diffuser at the back. 

Inside, on top of the 'Pure Panel' dashboard screen, also debuted in last year's facelift, the Grandland gets the GSe-specific sports seats and steering wheel. Sadly, despite these updates, it can't get away from the dated feel. For example, we're not sure the 'Pure Panel' works with the rest of the Grandland's dashboard, and the infotainment is the slow, previous-generation type and the screen isn't as big as its surrounding panel would suggest. Elsewhere, the ventilation controls are welcome, but these and the rest of the switchgear feel old and not the best quality. Finally, the Grandland GSe's three-spoke multi-function steering wheel looks virtually the same as the standard one, apart from the increased padding on the rim. Rear legroom is average, and the boot has just 390 litres.

GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric, so under the bonnet, this Grandland is electrified - via a familiar and proven Stellantis route. This time round it combines a 200hp, 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine with a 14.2kWh lithium-ion battery. There's a 110hp motor sandwiched between the ICE engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, plus another 113hp motor on the rear axle. The result is 300hp and four-wheel drive, 520Nm of torque, 0-60mph acceleration in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. 

On the road, the Grandland GSe feels potent with a full battery, but after battery power runs down, it feels noticeably less so. If you go searching for bigger performance, you'll have to put up with the boomy, noisy nature of the 1.6-litre petrol engine. To make the most of the battery range, we spent most of our time in Hybrid mode. This feels like the Electric mode, except the engine is quickly woken with a jab of the accelerator. Sport mode doesn't feel much different although there are changes to the weighting of the throttle and steering.

Despite all the performance, the 41-mile electric-only range that can be used at up to 84mph, equals a BIK figure of just 8% and 27g/km CO2 emissions. These and the combined fuel consumption figure of up to 235.4mpg are sure to attract the attention of fleet buyers.  

It is not just the performance that has received a GSe makeover. Like the Astra,  the Grandland receives GSe-specific suspension with firmer springs and special oil-filled dampers manufactured by KONI. The Grandland's steering has also been re-calibrated to improve responsiveness by 9%. Like the Astra, the bigger wheels equal more road noise, but again the ride impresses by being surprisingly comfortable and composed for a car that is supposed to be sporty. Elsewhere, the changes to this Vauxhall's steering weren't noticeable. 

As more speed is wound on, the Grandland doesn't deal with the GSe's extra power well - and despite the extra traction from the four-wheel drive system, grip levels are easily found.