Two far-from-youthful gentlemen, one German, the other of New Zealand extract, have played a vital role in Vauxhall’s vastly improved dynamic character. Volker Strycek (61) is a much-respected former German racing champion, who became the head of the company’s performance arm at Opel (the Teutonic equivalent of Vauxhall). As fit as a fiddle, he continues to race and prove the performance of Vauxhall/Opel motorcars.
On the other hand, 40-a-day smoker, Rob Wilson (66), has enjoyed a hugely impressive international racing career and, despite looking seriously ‘unfit’, is the chief instructor to more than half of the current Formula One drivers’ grid and, when not playing bass guitar (he used to be a member of 1970’s chart-topping pop band ‘Edison Lighthouse’), he provides technical feedback to Vauxhall. To be ‘coached’ by both of these people is a genuine privilege that is underscored by the immense strides that they have created not only for the excellent Insignia but also other models in Vauxhall’s range.
While Vauxhall is keen to mention that its former performance label, ‘VXR’, is yet to have its future determined, it has launched the GSi badge on its superb large hatchback and sports tourer line-up. Incidentally, the same tag has also been gifted to the compact Corsa model, for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. VXR lends its enhanced image to future hybrid and electrified developments for the brand.
Available in both body shapes, powered by the firm’s 207bhp bi-turbo-diesel, or the 257bhp petrol-turbo engines, while retaining a luxurious cockpit atmosphere, the GSi is focussed significantly on first-class traction (aided by a constant 4WD transmission), surgically precise steering and ‘superglue’ levels of grip. The models’ stance is helped by a 10mm reduction in chassis height, allied to 245/35-section Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres fitted to model specific, 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. Stopping power is managed by Brembo high-performance brakes, featuring 345mm front discs.
Mention of these aspects of the Insignia GSi is relevant, following an on-the-limits driving exercise held at Bruntingthorpe Test Facility (South Leicestershire), which underscored every aspect of the GSi’s superior focus. With the programmable chassis mode set to ‘Sport’ of its three settings (Tour, Normal, Sport) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) set to ‘Competitive’, discovering that even harsh braking would not upset the car’s balance, let alone sudden direction changes and some wild attempts to unsettle the car, proved to be exemplary. It is rare these days to be able to experience a car’s ultimate handling and roadholding capabilities in such a safe environment, where spinning-off involves little more than clearing grass from tyre treads. The Insignia behaves impeccably and feels capable of handling whatever punishment might be meted out to it.
However, a two-hours cross-country driving route that took in most of the deliciously open and flowing B-roads around Leicestershire, Rutland and Nottinghamshire, added further might to the GSi’s armoury. With its bespoke ‘FlexRide’ spring and damper settings, the torque-vectoring nature of its all-wheel-drive system and the lighter and more effective braking system, the GSi has become the consummate cross-country sports touring machine. Dodging potholes is part of the fun of instant reactions to driver input. Yet, something special occurred, when I selected the ‘Sport’ chassis mode, as it not only enhances the throttle response but adjusts the gearchange settings in the 8-speed automatic transmission. Not all similar adjustments in rivals’ products work as efficaciously. Once again, due to the sterling efforts of Messrs Strycek and Wilson, this is a setting that works WITH the driver, who wants to enjoy the driving experience.
Body enhancements are part of the GSi specification and apart from the big alloys and tail spoiler, bigger exhaust tail-pipes support a sportier package. The cabin (well, the front seat occupants, at least) gain from Vauxhall’s AGS seats, which are not merely exceedingly supportive, thanks to their competition-type shoulders and generous dimensions, but are lighter and stronger than the regular perches. Both of them feature heating, ventilation and massage controls. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and the outer pair of rear seats are also heated.
The driver benefits from an adjustable and colourful ‘head-up’ display projected into the base of the windscreen that carries speed limit, sat-nav directions and as much information as is practical, to avoid peeking at the main and quite busy instrument panel, or the 8.0-inch touch-screen in the dash-centre. The gearbox can also be selected manually using the steering column-mounted paddles. Apart from extra support bolstering of the split-fold rear seats, the rest of the car is to Insignia standards, i.e. well-equipped, including a Bose stereo and speakers, and ergonomically laid-out. Vauxhall’s innovative and multi-faceted Intellilux LED headlamp system is also standard.
Of course, GSi specification is performance focussed and, armed with 354lbs ft of torque, the diesel version of Insignia provides the sizeable mid-range grunt that makes driving very pleasurable, allied to a most non-diesel soundtrack. Its 0-60mph time is a zesty 7.3s, with a notional top speed of 145mph. While the petrol alternative has access to 295lbs ft of punch, the on-road differences (6.9s; 155mph) are truly negligible, which should make engine choice less of a chore, when you appreciate that caravan towing will make it lean towards diesel, regardless of the higher tax implications. For the record, the CO2 emissions are 186 and 197g/km. The diesel takes a 20% advantage in fuel economy over the petrol (40.4 vs 32.8mpg), which is hardly a surprise.
The price list also gives a more levelling difference between diesel and petrol variants, unusually being £400 less for the bi-turbo-diesel unit; £32,975 vs. £33,375 (hatch) and £34,475 vs £34,875 for the Sport Tourer (not including your FCD discount).
