RE: Vauxhall brings back the GSI!
Discussion
The downside to modern regs is that Vauxhalls look like Audis look like Renaults look like.... I'm sure you get my viewpoint.
To be fair, it's very rare that a company makes anything other than an accomplished car these days, and blindfolded I wonder how many of us would know what we were sat in?
I'm afraid that as cars have got bigger, faster and heavier (and ok, better in crashes) the designers seem to think that more power is what we crave.
I don't. I'd rather have something that responds to small movements through the wheel, who's suspension doesn't pummel the road into submission but rather glides across it with the minimum of deflection etc.
I'm not saying that any older GSi / SRi, or similar from other manufacturers, are better than the offering here, they are not, in so many ways.
But they just remind me that cars could be fun when they had fewer driver aids, less power and the like, and in today's ever increasing traffic congestion, might still be as relevant today (emissions and safety features not withstanding)
As someone else said, what will decide wether these are a success is how much will they cost to lease (compared to a BMW, AUDI etc), what the residuals will be and what level of discount is available (and which is worse, a big discount, or a small one...?)
To be fair, it's very rare that a company makes anything other than an accomplished car these days, and blindfolded I wonder how many of us would know what we were sat in?
I'm afraid that as cars have got bigger, faster and heavier (and ok, better in crashes) the designers seem to think that more power is what we crave.
I don't. I'd rather have something that responds to small movements through the wheel, who's suspension doesn't pummel the road into submission but rather glides across it with the minimum of deflection etc.
I'm not saying that any older GSi / SRi, or similar from other manufacturers, are better than the offering here, they are not, in so many ways.
But they just remind me that cars could be fun when they had fewer driver aids, less power and the like, and in today's ever increasing traffic congestion, might still be as relevant today (emissions and safety features not withstanding)
As someone else said, what will decide wether these are a success is how much will they cost to lease (compared to a BMW, AUDI etc), what the residuals will be and what level of discount is available (and which is worse, a big discount, or a small one...?)
TaylotS2K said:
Never been a fan of Vauxhall's. Such poor quality cars in recent years.
That's fair enough, you are entitled to your view.My last five cars have been new Vauxhalls, (Not company cars) and all have been faultless other than one which had a faulty alternator which was replaced under warranty, even though it was two months out of it.
The dealers have been first class too.
I fancy one of these new Insignias next year.
I had a look at the new Insignia recently and was really impressed. Looks good, decently sized and the interior is really nice as well. I am seriously thinking of getting one.
It felt like an honest car, with no pretence. Just loads of kit and a surprisingly low list price (with room for negotiation). Much nicer than a Passat or Mondeo. I reckon they will sell loads.
Bit confused about the GSI though. The new Insignia range already has a 2.0 petrol turbo 4x4 with adaptive damping, 8 speed auto and all the rest...and 240bhp. This one has an extra 20bhp and some nice bodywork, which is great, but sounds otherwise identical. It doesn't seem to differentiate itself enough from the 240bhp version. I wonder if it will replace the 240bhp version - although that would be odd given that it's only just come out.
It felt like an honest car, with no pretence. Just loads of kit and a surprisingly low list price (with room for negotiation). Much nicer than a Passat or Mondeo. I reckon they will sell loads.
Bit confused about the GSI though. The new Insignia range already has a 2.0 petrol turbo 4x4 with adaptive damping, 8 speed auto and all the rest...and 240bhp. This one has an extra 20bhp and some nice bodywork, which is great, but sounds otherwise identical. It doesn't seem to differentiate itself enough from the 240bhp version. I wonder if it will replace the 240bhp version - although that would be odd given that it's only just come out.
Looks decent but in a car that size I'm not sure 260bhp is enough. My R26 is around that power and I'm guessing at least a couple of hundred kgs lighter and only drives the front wheels but doesn't feel particularly fast.
If the awd system mimics the Focus RS though this could still be an excellent car.
If the awd system mimics the Focus RS though this could still be an excellent car.
adingley84 said:
sleepera6 said:
So is VXR dead?
The VXR brand is just getting into its stride so no, I think this is just a filler in the range, and a mighty fine one too
The dealer I spoke to said that they have been told there will be a VXR version but not until late next year. They didn't know anything definite about it.Section 8 said:
Regarding the GTE badge of old would VW have had to ask Vauxhalls permission to use the namesake in the current Golf GTE ?
Wasn't there gsi trim/version of Rovers at the time that Vauxhall were doing gsi versions of everything? Not sure the trim level matters. Quite a few cars share the same, golf gti and the Peugeot gti springs to mindTaylotS2K said:
Never been a fan of Vauxhall's. Such poor quality cars in recent years.
I bought an eight month old 2001 Vectra DTI in 2002 with 14,000 miles for 50% of the new price. Totally reliable, just consumables like brake pads etc.
Hated it but it cost buttons to run.
Tried to sell after three years, worth extremely little so decided to run it until it died.
Hated it but had a grudging respect.
Tried to kill it: Lots of towing racing cars, the odd trackday where I took the writing off the tyres and sideways at 80 to 90 mph, thrashing without mercy, standing on it, pushing trailers out the way and gates open by driving into them.
It would not die.
Sold a couple of years ago with 186,000 miles on it. (Actually my wife sold it while I was out...)
I'd say that Vauxhalls seem pretty well built.
Wait Here Until Green Light Shows said:
Looks great and it isn't a BMW or Audi which for those of us who prefer less common cars is a bonus...but I prefer the looks of the Mondeo which is a really cracking looking car.
Front of the Mondeo and the rear of the Insignia would be a nice combination 
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