Vauxhall Insignia GSi isn’t a ‘firebreather’ but it’s tight, agile and loads of fun
Less power does not mean the Vauxhall Insignia GSi isn't enjoyable to drive
THERE are a few products in the world which make advertising executives come out in a cold sweat.
Vodka is one of them. Vodka is a flavourless grog which is almost always added to a mixer, so how do you persuade people to choose a 60 quid bottle over supermarket own-brand for a tenner?
Aftershave and perfume are a nightmare too.
No one can smell it from a TV ad or poster, which is kinda the whole point of perfume, so marketers spend gazillions on signing Hollywood stars and hope it’s enough to make idiots think a splash of it will turn them into Johnny Depp.
And pet food. I don’t know about your dogs, but mine would (literally) eat a scabby horse if it was slopped into their bowl.
Expensive Chum made with “real gravy”, or whatever, is purely for doting owners with more money than sense.
And this is the problem Vauxhall has with the Insignia — the chosen chariot of the travelling sales rep, a mainstay of Ramada Inn car parks and trading estates across the country.
It’s not a sexy enough image to persuade punters to take a test drive, but Vauxhall has just released a version which could reverse the David Brent effect — the Insignia GSi.
“Hurrah” I hear you cry. “The GSi badge is finally back.”
It’s true the last Vauxhall to carry the letters was the Vectra back in 2005, but, confusingly, the new Insignia GSi isn’t a higher- powered version of the standard car at all.
It can be optioned in either a 207bhp twin turbo diesel or a 256bhp petrol — both available in non-GSI Insignias.
Seems deflating on the face of it, but Vauxhall promises this car laps the Nurburgring a staggering 12 seconds faster than the old Insignia VXR, which was powered by a 2.8litre V6 and knocked out around 320bhp.
Seriously? What alchemy is this? What witchcraft is at play?
You may remember back in January I travelled to Sweden to sample the delights of a company called GKN.
This British engineering giant specialises in AWD torque vectoring systems for everyday cars, providing systems for everything from battle-ready SUVs to furiously fast hot-hatches.
And it’s had a hand in the Insignia GSi.
So no alchemy, just a dose of brilliant engineering which means the AWD GSi can shift power between the back wheels, turning the outside wheel faster in corners to prevent even a hint of understeer.
The GSi grips like a Scandinavian crime drama but also boasts improved aero, Brembo brakes and a set of Michelin’s finest on the 20in alloys. Horsepower doesn’t always win the race, kids.
The improved aero — in the form of air intakes, spoilers and a 10mm lower ride height — gives the GSi a much sleeker silhouette than the standard version, which helps shift it from the company car category to the sporty saloon.
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA GSI GRAND SPORT BITURBO D
Key Facts
Price: £32,975
Engine: 2litre diesel twin turbo
Economy: 40.4mpg
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 145mph
Length: 4.9 metres
CO2: 186g/km
The diesel version I drove takes just over seven seconds to do 0-62mph thanks to a torque-rich engine and lively eight-speed auto, which has the option of paddle shift.
Switching between Tour and Sport modes sharpens the throttle and steering — which can be adjusted independently anyway.
The Insignia GSi feels more accomplished than a lot of fast Vauxhalls from the past, despite not really being that fast.
It’s tight, agile and feels well built.
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The fact it isn’t an out-and-out firebreather could be emblematic of a wider trend in the car industry — horsepower is out.
But Vauxhall is proving lower power doesn’t mean less fun.
And you don’t have to be a salesman to drive an Insignia.