► Vauxhall Insignia GSi
► 256bhp 2.0-litre turbo
► First GSi since Vectra C
Vauxhall has confirmed pricing for the all-new Insignia GSi. Yes, the Luton brand’s sporty name that isn’t VXR has returned, and you can order one now in Grand Sport or Sports Tourer guise.
Vauxhall, or more accurately Opel, pulled the covers off its new warm Insignia at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show.
It’s the first GSi car since the Vectra C, which went on sale in 2002. That’s fifteen years since Vauxhall last slapped its hot(ish) badge on one of its cars.
So what powers the new Insignia GSi?
There’s no V6 under the bonnet, unlike the old Insignia VXR, but GSi buyers will have the choice of a 256bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or a 207bhp diesel.
If performance is your order of the day, the 256bhp petrol is capable of a 6.9sec 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 155mph.
Vauxhall is keen to stress that its new hot Insig’ was tested at the Nurburgring (isn’t everything these days?) and is 160kg lighter than the last GSi.
All-wheel drive with torque vectoring is standard, and all of that shove is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox with four driving modes: Standard, Tour, Sport and Competition.
Vauxhall says it’ll be a good steer, thanks to plenty of grip from the as-standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and FlexRide adaptive dampers keeping body roll to a minimum. Four-piston Brembos should help it stop pretty quickly, too.
If you’re interested, Vauxhall claims 32.8mpg on the NEDC test cycle and emissions of 197g/km.
Does it look like an old GSi used to?
You mean erring on the side of chavvy? A little bit, but it’s not as OTT as a VXR. Chrome intakes on the front bumper are reminiscent of the old Insignia VXR and a mini ducktail rear spoiler at the back.
The headlights and rear light clusters have darkened glass for a more aggressive look and the GSi badge is stuck proudly on the rear.
It’s mostly business as usual inside, but some sporty additions help set the GSI apart. ‘AGR-certified’ leather sports seats with embossed GSi emblems feature, as do aluminium pedals.
When can I buy one?
You can order one now, priced from £33,375 for the Grand Sport model or £34,875 for the Sports Tourer.
Check out our review of the old Insignia VXR