Opel Insignia Grand Tourer GSI. Announcement or replacement of OPC?

In the new generation of Opel Insignia we have GSI instead of OPC. However, it's not entirely clear if this is really "instead of" or maybe a stronger OPC will emerge. We searched for answers while driving the Insignia in the Grand Tourer GSi version.

There are many secrets and understatements here. On the one hand, we hear rumors that OPC it is planned and expected to be on the market in the near future. On the other side, "GSi“Appeared on a sports Opel many years ago.

We may be surprised, but we can also drive the Insignia GSI. It is driving this car that will answer the question: is it good enough that OPC does not need to improve it?

Minimalism is still in vogue

Opel Insignia is one of the most beautiful cars in the segment. It has quite dynamic lines, not too much embossing - it is quite minimalistic.

W GSi version takes on a different character. It has different bumpers front and rear. At the back, we will also see two large exhaust tips - they work.

Like this Insignia, it looks great but has a lot of the perks of big 20-inch wheels for an extra PLN 4000. Compared to regular Insignias, these discs are 6kg lighter, a reduction in unsprung weight that certainly improves ride quality.

In stronger versions Opla Insignia we get 18-inch discs and four-piston Brembo calipers up front. Thanks to this, the Insignia brakes very well, it starts to slow down strongly after a slight pressure on the brake.

The suspension is only 1 cm lower. Why only so much? Opel wanted to maintain a compromise between a comfortable ride and a slightly lower center of gravity. To not be afraid of curbs.

As for the options that are definitely worth choosing, apart from the big wheels, is the additional window insulation for PLN 1000. As a result, the Insignia gets really good noise cancellation while driving.

You don't want to exit Insignia!

Opel GSi badge a little bit out on the inside. It has a special handlebar with a flattened rim and paddles. The biggest change in terms of size is the bucket seats with integrated headrests. They look brilliant, have an 8-position adjustment, with the ability to press on the sides, there is also a massage and heating. In addition, they are 4 kg lighter than standard seats.

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer GSi this is the best equipped version, so the standard is rich. We get almost everything we would think about when buying a car. There's a big-screen infotainment system with Car Play and Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning, heated seats as standard, and more. There is not much to choose from in terms of configuration.

But also therefore GSi .Insignia costs more than 180 thousand. zloty. And for the price, not everyone will be satisfied with the quality of finishes and materials inside. Some plastics are hard, especially in the center tunnel. While driving, a creak is always heard in the area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe rear of the hatch. Plus to the chairs, because thanks to them you can spend hours here without obvious signs of fatigue.

The trunk holds 560 liters. And with the rear seats folded down, as much as 1665 liters. At the moment, the coolest option is roller blinds that can be moved up. There are many hooks at your disposal. Mesh rails can also help. This is a really practical car.

Prices for Opel Insignia Sport Tourer from PLN 105 thousand. Price GSi almost 80 thousand. more zlotys. The Sports Tourer GSi costs at least PLN 186. The tested model costs about PLN 500. A lot of!

The list of optional equipment includes the Driver Assistant package with adaptive cruise control and braking assistant for PLN 3. A motorized roof window with OnStar system costs more than PLN 200. zloty. Even for removing the engine markings, you will have to spend 5 zł (in the premium segment, this is done for free). In fact, you only need to select the two options I mentioned earlier, and you don't need more here.

Opel Insignia GSi does not immediately reveal its character

Opel Insignia GSi we can buy in two engine options - with a 260 hp petrol engine. and a 210 hp diesel engine. We do not have a choice of gearbox or drive. There will always be four-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic.

The tested version is a 210 hp diesel. The maximum torque is 400 Nm at 1500 rpm. and thanks to this GSi .Insignia accelerates from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 8 seconds. Wait a minute, 8 seconds in a "sports" car? OPC in diesel? It doesn't look like a car that will replace the real OPC. But with a gasoline engine it doesn’t sound like that, because although 280 hp. actually a lot, we can get this motor in quite normal configurations.

The suspension is slightly firmer, but still very comfortable, especially considering the size of the rims and pancakes instead of tires.

However, the real trump card in the sleeve is the drive. GSI insignia. On dry pavement, it provides excellent traction and is not prone to understeer. However, it shows its capabilities in rain and snow.

I was lucky to be in the south of Poland during the test, along with heavy snowfall. On winding snow-covered roads, the diesel-powered Insignia family station wagon behaves like a rally car. Properly controlled by the throttle and rudder, it only turns its nose to get out of the corner and then jumps forward without any protest. It's more oversteer than understeer, but that's how the drive was meant to be - it sends more torque to the outside rear wheel. Something like Focus RS.

Thanks to this, you will always go where conditions are extremely difficult. On the one hand, we are confident in driving, but when we want to, the Insignia can deliver a lot of driving pleasure. And after the fun is over, it's still a very practical and comfortable vehicle.

Which also doesn't need to use a lot of fuel. Fuel consumption - according to the manufacturer - averages from 7,7 l / 100 km to 8 l / 100 km. These are results according to the WLTP standard, so we will not break it down into city / route / combined cycle. However, in reality, this consumption on the highway is at least 1 l / 100 km higher. In reality, you have to take into account something in the range of 9-11 l / 100 km.

Will it be OPC or not?

Opel Flagship Sports Tourer GSi it's a car that looks great and drives just as well. And this is with a station wagon. Only competition is cheaper and faster - I'm talking about the Passat Variant and Skoda Superb Combi with 272 hp engines.

A GSi it is primarily the appearance and chairs. Maybe a little less weight. But it's hard to see them as the machine they replace. OPC. It's more of a styling package. So let's hope that Opel has not given up on this idea at all and that we will soon get to know a car that could have great potential.

Just looking at the prices - it should also cost a lot.