Opel Insignia GSi Facelift Brings New Engine And Transmission

Just a month after the debut of the refreshed Opel Insignia, the German company has unveiled the facelifted flagship GSi version of the model during the Brussels Motor Show. The visual revisions are not huge but underneath the skin, the vehicle comes with new tech.

Under the hood now is a new 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine delivering 230 horsepower (169 kilowatts) mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to all four wheels through the Twinster AWD system with torque vectoring.

In addition, the Insignia GSi, already available to order together with the regular Insignia Sports Tourer and Grand Sport in some European markets, gets a new electro-hydraulic brake booster, as well as FlexRide mechatronic suspension setup. The revised front end of the car now also incorporates an active full-face shutter for improved aerodynamics, while the wheels hide optimized four-piston Brembo brakes.

Interestingly, the new electro-hydraulic brake booster of the sports D-segment model turns the Insignia into what Opel describes as "a platform for technology that will be required for automated driving in the future." The tech uses to so-called eBoost system, which is a fundamental component for "braking by wire."

As standard, the Insignia GSi comes equipped with an adaptive sports suspension which can operate in four different modes - Standard, Tour, Sport, and Competition.

"We are proud of our new flagship," Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller said during the presentation of the vehicle in Brussels. "The Insignia looks fantastic, featuring class-leading technologies such as the IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, fuel-efficient gas and diesel engines, adaptive FlexRide suspension and outstanding wellness seats. The GSi is again the top model in the series and as engaging to drive as a real sports car."

Opel has also disclosed the engines which are already orderable for the updated Insignia in non-GSi form. The range includes 1.4- and 2.0-liter turbo gas units with 145 (107 kW) and 200 hp (147 kW) respectively, and a 1.5-liter diesel with 122 hp (109 kW).