Not Since the Vetra "C" has there been a GSi model, but today Vauxhall announces the return of this famous nameplate.

• Precise performance thanks to FlexRide chassis, Brembo brakes and AWD
• New design cues reinforce performance with comfort
• Eight-speed automatic gearbox delivers efficiency across four driving modes
• Vauxhall brings back familiar GSi trim last seen on the Vectra C

With its debut set for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has released first pics of the all-new Insignia GSi, which will deliver high levels of performance through all-wheel drive, a new chassis and Brembo brakes, and will be powered by a refined 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The performance variant of Vauxhall’s latest flagship model has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be operated via a paddle-shift on the steering wheel to provide a more active and responsive driving experience. Staying true to the latest-generation Insignia range, the GSi combines lightweight design and a low centre of gravity with turbocharged power. These factors result in excellent balance and a favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Exterior design updates include chrome air intakes at the front and a rear spoiler for the required levels of downforce, while on the inside the full-leather sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals add the finishing touches.

The GSi’s chassis has been fine-tuned to create the most poised and composed yet, taking the already fine dynamics of the regular Insignia Grand Sport to another level. The benefits of these chassis developments are not just in the improved driving experience though, with the GSi proving to be faster than its predecessor on the track too. Having undertaken parts of its development on the iconic Nürburgring circuit, the GSi is 160kg lighter than the comparable Insignia, which, when combined with the low centre of gravity, creates more traction and leads to faster times on the race track.

Performance & Handling

Vauxhall has developed an all-new chassis for the GSi, supported by shorter springs that lower the model by 10mm, while specially developed sports shock absorbers reduce body movement significantly. Powerful Brembo four-pot calliper front brakes have been incorporated to work in conjunction with the Insignia GSi’s mechatronic FlexRide chassis, which adapts the suspension and steering instantly. The chassis control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed transmission to refine the steering and throttle response to suit the situation.

Drivers can choose from three key driving modes, Standard, Tour and Sport, while Vauxhall has also developed a fourth setting exclusively for the Insignia GSi, ‘Competition’. With a double press of the ESP button, the GSi switches the traction control off and allows more yaw, giving skilled drivers the chance to realise the car’s full potential.

Excellent handling is guaranteed thanks to the sports chassis, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels available), delivering exceptional levels of grip to make the GSi more responsive. That is supported by all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which replaces the conventional differential on the rear axle with two clutches to accelerate each rear wheel individually as required by the driving situation. This ultimately prevents understeer.

The Insignia GSi is powered by a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, producing 260PS and generating 400Nm of torque (NEDC fuel consumption: 25.2mpg urban, 39.7mpg extra-urban, 32.8mpg combined, and 197g/km CO2). The four-cylinder unit is mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the driver can manually determine the shift points of the system in Standard and Sport modes to suit their personal driving style.

Design

The sporty performance of the Insignia GSi is matched by new design features, technology highlights and exclusive accessories inside and out. On the inside, new AGR-certified sports seats developed by Vauxhall provide increased lateral support and long-distance comfort. Similar to those found in the Insignia Grand Sport, the premium seats offer ventilation, heating, massage and adjustable side bolsters. Customers can specify the seats in one of two leather combinations, each featuring the prominent GSi emblem.

The interior strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance, featuring a leather steering wheel with a flattened lower, aluminium pedals and a stylish black headlining.

The GSi logo can also be seen at the rear of the car, which carries a spoiler to deliver additional levels of downforce to the rear axle. The rear also features two chrome-edged exhaust pipes, and chrome air intakes can be found near the front wheels to assist the vehicle’s performance further.

Frankfurt to host the debut of the All-New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer model.

• Sporty top-of-the-range Insignia with rugged looks and premium qualities
• All-wheel drive with torque vectoring and more ground clearance

The latest addition to the all-new Insignia range, Vauxhall’s all-wheel drive Insignia Country Tourer will debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 14^th to 24^th).

The Country Tourer is more spacious and considerably lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an all-new architecture, and comes with a wide range of innovative technologies. With all-round black protective cladding and silver front and rear skid plates, the newcomer has a tough and rugged off-road appearance. 

Powertrain and Chassis

The New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer comes with a broad powertrain portfolio, including a brand new top-of-the-range diesel engine. In addition, the newcomer will also be available with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and ground-breaking all-wheel drive technology. 

Additional ground clearance of 20mm, plus the innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and new five-link rear suspension cater for those who want to leave the city and explore the countryside. Instead of a traditional rear differential, the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer boasts two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches that enable a more individual and precise transmission of power to each wheel. 

To stabilise the vehicle and counteract understeer on tight corners taken at higher speeds, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel without further driver intervention. 

The improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for changing road conditions and driving behaviour. It adapts the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatic models) independently or based on the ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’ modes, which can be selected by the driver. 

The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis, and continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and settings, recognising the individual driving style. 

“The Country Tourer takes the Insignia story a step further. With its all-wheel-drive capability, raised ground clearance and rugged appearance, it adds another important dimension to the New Insignia range,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. 

Design

From the very start of the development process, the designers – led by Brit Mark Adams – and team of engineers worked on a third distinct Insignia variant, meaning the Country Tourer perfectly complements the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer models. 

The prominent landscape grille and slim headlamps give the new Insignia Country Tourer a wide horizontal impression, while the skid plate helps to give the car a solid stance. 

Moulded black protective cladding in the lower fascia, wheel arches and along the lower body side emphasise the rugged appearance. The adventurous design cues continue at the rear too, with the silver-coloured skid plate and dual exhaust bezels reinforcing the lower, wider impression. 

“We wanted our new Insignia Country Tourer to be robust in every respect, while simultaneously displaying the typical elegant Vauxhall philosophy of sculptural artistry and technical precision,” said Mark Adams, Vice President Design. “It has the presence of a true flagship, combining a sophisticated athletic shape enhanced by rugged off road detailing.” 

The new Insignia Country Tourer, is above all, extremely practical. To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened without touching the car. 

In combination with Keyless Open & Start, a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area), with another kicking motion required to close it. 

To increase loading space to 1,665 litres, 135 litres more than the outgoing version, the new Insignia Country Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The standard roof railing not only emphasises the adventurous look, but allows the Insignia Country Tourer to carry roof loads of up to 100kg. 

The wheelbase has been increased by 92mm, enabling a more spacious cabin. The new Insignia Country Tourer comes with AGR-certified premium ergonomic front seats and the heated outer rear seats, heated windscreen and the heated steering wheel like its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings. 

Connectivity

As with its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings, the Insignia Country Tourer comes with numerous technologies and assistance systems that enable a new level of safety and comfort. One of the highlights is the second generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix light. 

The Vauxhall LED^® matrix light now has 16 LED segments integrated into each of the very slim headlamps, and comes with an innovative active curve lighting function and dedicated LED spotlight with a range of up to 400 metres. Further additions include the head up display, adaptive cruise control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems ensure outstanding entertainment and connectivity, while smartphones can be charged wirelessly and seamlessly integrated with the infotainment system. 

The ground-breaking personal connectivity and service assistant, Vauxhall OnStar, is also on board and offers an extensive service portfolio ranging from automatic crash response to stolen vehicle assistance. 

Two updates to the OnStar portfolio are the booking service, and parking search, both of which can request OnStar advisors to book hotel rooms and/or search for suitable carparks.