Opel introduced the facelifted Insignia last month and now the company has unveiled the updated GSi variant at the Brussels Motor Show. Looking instantly recognizable, the facelifted model has a revised grille which is flanked by new adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Lights. The latter feature a total of 168 LED elements, compared to the previous 32.
Beneath the grille is a sportier front bumper with a larger air intake. The model also familiar “sabre-tooth” chrome accents. Opel didn’t say much about the interior, but the photos show the model has GSi-branded leather sport seats, alloy pedals and gloss black trim. They joined by an updated instrument cluster and a revised infotainment system.
On the performance front, there’s a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 hp. It is connected to a new nine-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a Twinster all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. Other performance features include Brembo brakes and improved steering system. The model also boasts an adaptive FlexRide suspension with Standard, Tour, Sport and Competition modes.
Besides introducing the GSi, Opel revealed technical specifications for the standard model. Under the hood, there’s an assortment of new three- and four-cylinder engines which all belong to the same family. This is a significant change as the previous Insignia had engines from three different families.
The three-cylinder units are borrowed from the Astra and are up to 50 kg lighter than their predecessors. The turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol produces 143 hp and 236 Nm of torque, while the 1.5-liter diesel develops 120 hp and 200 Nm of torque. There are also four-cylinder petrol and diesel options. The latter will be introduced later this year, while the petrol is a turbocharged 2.0-liter that now features cylinder deactivation technology.
In the standard model, the 2.0-liter petrol produces 197 hp and 350 Nm of torque. In the GSi, it develops 227 hp but the torque rating remains unchanged. The 2.0-liter engines are connected to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The three-cylinders come with a six-speed manual, but an eight-speed automatic will be available as an option.
