252bhp Vauxhall Insignia GSi 21 | 07 | 2017
VAUXHALL HAS LAUNCHED the hottest version of its current Insignia. the 252bhp GSi, which will go on-sale at Scottish dealerships in the autumn, will be officially veiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. (Related: Vauxhall boost for young Scots)
Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, it’s mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
It also gets a new four-wheel drive system which offers torque vectoring at the back, and — like the rest of the new range — is around 160kg lighter than its predecessor.
Using GKN Twinster twin-clutch differential — as found in the Ford Focus RS and Range Rover Evoque — to power the rear wheels, it also splits torque independently to improve traction.
Meanwhile, at the front, power is distributed via a more conventional electronic differential lock, which imitates a mechanical diff by braking wheels experiencing slip.
The new Insignia GSi offers drivers the choice of four drive modes: Standard, Tour and Sport. As if that’s not enough, there’s also a Competition mode, which lowers the interference of the car’s electronic stability control. You can switch the system of totally by double tapping the button.
And while 18in alloys are standard, you can tick the option box for 20in wheels. Also standard are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, bespoke leather upholstered sports seats, and metal pedals.
Related: Roadtest — Vauxhall Crossland X 1.6T D Ecotech
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Jim McGill