Currently reading: 252bhp Vauxhall Insignia GSi priced from £33,375 in the UK
Current range-topper is quicker around the Nürburgring than the previous and more potent Insignia VXR

The hottest version yet of the current Vauxhall Insignia, the 252bhp GSi, is now available to order, priced from £33,375 for the Grand Sport, and £34,875 in Sports Tourer guise. 

Vauxhall's new flagship launched at the Frankfurt motor show. The pricing puts it £1380 above the entry-level Kia Stinger, although the two are closely matched in terms of power outputs - the GSi has just 8bhp on the Kia

The car is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 295lb ft and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Alternatively, there's a 2.0-litre, 207bhp diesel engine, with identical performance and price to the petrol. The petrol emits slightly more CO2, pumping out 197g/km to the diesel's 192g/km.

Vauxhall says the car can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife faster then the previous-generation Insignia’s range topping VXR model, despite giving away 69bhp.

It says the reason for the quicker pace is the car’s improved agility, helped by the new Insignia’s 160kg lighter kerbweight and new four-wheel drive system that offers torque vectoring at the back.

A306379

The driveline uses a GKN Twinster twin-clutch differential (as do the Ford Focus RS and Range Rover Evoque) to power the rear wheels, splitting torque independently to improve traction. At the front, power is distributed via a more conventional electronic differential lock, which imitates a mechanical diff by braking wheels experiencing slip.

Autocar sampled the system on a GKN test mule that was based on the previous-generation Insignia VXR last year.

The GSi also uses adaptive dampers that come as part of its the mechatronic Flexride chassis system. The technology continually adapts damping rates and also enables adjustments to the car’s steering, and throttle and gearbox responses.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

The Vauxhall Insignia is only small details away from rivalling the class best

Back to top

A306378

Four drive modes are included: Standard, Tour and Sport, as well as a Competition mode, which lowers the interference of the car’s electronic stability control. Double tapping the button switches it off completely.

The GSi gets four-pot Brembo brakes and 18in wheels (20s are optional). It also features bespoke leather upholstered sports seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and metal pedals.

Join the debate

Comments
14
Add a comment…
Factczech 6 December 2017

What's the point?

With Ford and other mainstream manufacturers having stand-alone niche cars that look different to the other models such as the Mustang and GT etc with the Mustang in this price range why would someone buy a tarted up everyday car just because they stick a fancy badge on it and load it with more power than it should have? 

Is it any wonder GM failed and has sold up to Peugeot? 

marineboy 5 December 2017

33k for a Vauxhall?

That’ll be 25k from a broker.

smokescreen38 5 December 2017

Insignia GSI

A stunning looker, liking the sound of the estate. A visit to Regal tuning or Courtney motors port could be interesting.