RE: Vauxhall brings back the GSI!
Discussion
HappyMidget said:
Jader1973 said:
HappyMidget said:
Australia is getting the Commodore VXR which is a siggy v6t, so there is hope for a VXR6....
The VXR Commodore is a naturally aspirated V6 with 235 kW and 381 Nm. Same as the Buick Regal GS.Edited by Jader1973 on Monday 24th July 03:39
GTE/VXR/GSI - the problem is they have had too many sports badges over the years and they keep swapping them around.
Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
PHMatt said:
GTE/VXR/GSI - the problem is they have had too many sports badges over the years and they keep swapping them around.
Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
I predict that's what Vauxhall is trying to do here.Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
SRi will be a sporty looking trim line for diesel cars and one in a thousand small petrols
GSi will be this quicker version
VXR will sit above that as a more hardcore and quicker version still
Jimmy Recard said:
PHMatt said:
GTE/VXR/GSI - the problem is they have had too many sports badges over the years and they keep swapping them around.
Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
I predict that's what Vauxhall is trying to do here.Pick one and stick to it. They're all very Vauxhall but there doesn't appear to be any obvious hierarchy for them. With a Ford you know the RS sits above the XR/ST
With Audi you know the RS sits above the S, BMW the proper M is above the generic M sport etc etc etc.
Vauxhall just switch around ever few years.
SRi will be a sporty looking trim line for diesel cars and one in a thousand small petrols
GSi will be this quicker version
VXR will sit above that as a more hardcore and quicker version still
They've always had a very confusing line up.
PHMatt said:
I remember when you could get a Cavalier SRi, a GSI, a GSI 4x4 and a 4x4 Turbo that wasn't badged anything particularly. I think there was also a V6 "sport" model too.
They've always had a very confusing line up.
Yeah, I don't know who chooses it like that.They've always had a very confusing line up.
You could have a Corsa GSi, Astra GSi, Vectra GSi or an Omega MV6. Why wasn't it an Omega GSi after the Carlton GSi3000? I have no idea!
I can't help notice the "My mate.. ", comments here; I've run VXs all my driving career (and my family) as well as Fords, Audis.. well, blah blah - VXs are no better and certainly no worse, than most brands. They'll NEVER have the badge - they seem to have replaced Skoda in that respect.
It's a real shame. I loved my Corsa VXR; and before that Calibra Turbos and Cavaliers - all brilliant. I'm currently a year in to Viva ownership; at 13k miles it's not missed a beat and has been perfectly acceptable, and more comfortable than I'd have imagined. In fact, I bought it as a stop gap whilst I waited on my Mustang to be delivered and it was wayyy better than I'd expected (a bit too good!).
It also hasn't fallen to bits, interior or exterior. Mind you, the gear-change is a bit pants.
But yes, it's no Audi. Which, like BMW and Merc, are so complex that they (in my limited S5/TT experience) also fall to bits - it just tends to cost a lot more to fix. :P
It's a real shame. I loved my Corsa VXR; and before that Calibra Turbos and Cavaliers - all brilliant. I'm currently a year in to Viva ownership; at 13k miles it's not missed a beat and has been perfectly acceptable, and more comfortable than I'd have imagined. In fact, I bought it as a stop gap whilst I waited on my Mustang to be delivered and it was wayyy better than I'd expected (a bit too good!).
It also hasn't fallen to bits, interior or exterior. Mind you, the gear-change is a bit pants.
But yes, it's no Audi. Which, like BMW and Merc, are so complex that they (in my limited S5/TT experience) also fall to bits - it just tends to cost a lot more to fix. :P
Jimmy Recard said:
PHMatt said:
I remember when you could get a Cavalier SRi, a GSI, a GSI 4x4 and a 4x4 Turbo that wasn't badged anything particularly. I think there was also a V6 "sport" model too.
They've always had a very confusing line up.
Yeah, I don't know who chooses it like that.They've always had a very confusing line up.
You could have a Corsa GSi, Astra GSi, Vectra GSi or an Omega MV6. Why wasn't it an Omega GSi after the Carlton GSi3000? I have no idea!
The Vectra reverted to the SRi below GSi format, but did also feature a couple of overtly sporting V6 models (not difficult as the V6 formed the basis of all fast Vectra Bs) - the limited edition Super Touring and ST200 (the latter is quite a comprehensively MSD-modified car).
Why no Omega GSi? Well, if you were a foreign, then there had been a GSi since the 3000, thanks to Opel, but by the time Vauxhall adopted the Omega (1994 was it)?), I suspect GM had given up chasing M5s and were concentrating more on rapid, subtle refinement, hence the more muted Omega MV6. GSi was probably no longer considered a marketable brand for that class of car.
astrsxi77 said:
In Vauxhall Cavalier world the hierarchy saw the SRi as top dog until the mk2's final facelift, when the SRi 130 was crowned king (ignoring the limited edition Calibre). Then the mk3 introduced the GSi (and its GSi 4x4 stablemate) range topper above the SRi. Then, post-facelift, the GSi was dropped, the SRi inherited its engine, and the Turbo 4x4 became the pinnacle. By this time, there were various V6 models available to, but none were overtly sporting (Cesaro, GLS, Diplomat).
The Vectra reverted to the SRi below GSi format, but did also feature a couple of overtly sporting V6 models (not difficult as the V6 formed the basis of all fast Vectra Bs) - the limited edition Super Touring and ST200 (the latter is quite a comprehensively MSD-modified car).
Why no Omega GSi? Well, if you were a foreign, then there had been a GSi since the 3000, thanks to Opel, but by the time Vauxhall adopted the Omega (1994 was it)?), I suspect GM had given up chasing M5s and were concentrating more on rapid, subtle refinement, hence the more muted Omega MV6. GSi was probably no longer considered a marketable brand for that class of car.
Good way to some it up, very thorough.The Vectra reverted to the SRi below GSi format, but did also feature a couple of overtly sporting V6 models (not difficult as the V6 formed the basis of all fast Vectra Bs) - the limited edition Super Touring and ST200 (the latter is quite a comprehensively MSD-modified car).
Why no Omega GSi? Well, if you were a foreign, then there had been a GSi since the 3000, thanks to Opel, but by the time Vauxhall adopted the Omega (1994 was it)?), I suspect GM had given up chasing M5s and were concentrating more on rapid, subtle refinement, hence the more muted Omega MV6. GSi was probably no longer considered a marketable brand for that class of car.
And your thoughts at the end are probably exactly why it happened that way, I should think
I must admit I've never thought there was much wrong with the Insignia's looks (or build quality) from the outset.
I was put off Vauxhall by my awful experiences with dealers when I owned a Calibra back in the early '90s.
That experience still taints my view of the brand, I'm afraid, but if they can build a truly good driver's car kudos to them!
M
I was put off Vauxhall by my awful experiences with dealers when I owned a Calibra back in the early '90s.
That experience still taints my view of the brand, I'm afraid, but if they can build a truly good driver's car kudos to them!
M
willisit said:
I can't help notice the "My mate.. ", comments here; I've run VXs all my driving career (and my family) as well as Fords, Audis.. well, blah blah - VXs are no better and certainly no worse, than most brands. They'll NEVER have the badge - they seem to have replaced Skoda in that respect.
It's a real shame. I loved my Corsa VXR; and before that Calibra Turbos and Cavaliers - all brilliant. I'm currently a year in to Viva ownership; at 13k miles it's not missed a beat and has been perfectly acceptable, and more comfortable than I'd have imagined. In fact, I bought it as a stop gap whilst I waited on my Mustang to be delivered and it was wayyy better than I'd expected (a bit too good!).
It also hasn't fallen to bits, interior or exterior. Mind you, the gear-change is a bit pants.
But yes, it's no Audi. Which, like BMW and Merc, are so complex that they (in my limited S5/TT experience) also fall to bits - it just tends to cost a lot more to fix. :P
To be honest the Viva is probably a step up from the mustang interior quality wise...!It's a real shame. I loved my Corsa VXR; and before that Calibra Turbos and Cavaliers - all brilliant. I'm currently a year in to Viva ownership; at 13k miles it's not missed a beat and has been perfectly acceptable, and more comfortable than I'd have imagined. In fact, I bought it as a stop gap whilst I waited on my Mustang to be delivered and it was wayyy better than I'd expected (a bit too good!).
It also hasn't fallen to bits, interior or exterior. Mind you, the gear-change is a bit pants.
But yes, it's no Audi. Which, like BMW and Merc, are so complex that they (in my limited S5/TT experience) also fall to bits - it just tends to cost a lot more to fix. :P
is a quite nice looking, but completely unoriginal, as most new basic cars are, kia stinger and this looking like audi/ VW arteon, and you would be mad to but a new one.
vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
Blakewater said:
Vauxhall are doing an, "Any colour you like," scheme for the Insignia soon along the lines of BMW Individual, Audi Exclusive, etc to try and go upmarket.
I think this is what Peugeot are trying to achieve. Pugs will be the same as they are now with Opel/VX going upmarket. They could have done that years ago and bought the Saab brand though!theplayingmantis said:
is a quite nice looking, but completely unoriginal, as most new basic cars are, kia stinger and this looking like audi/ VW arteon, and you would be mad to but a new one.
vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
How many know what a Holden is?vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
Dazed and Confused said:
How many know what a Holden is?
Also he's missed the point that while you might be able to market Opel as a premium brand in the UK, what do you do in the rest of Europe?I suppose you could start selling them as Opel in the UK and Vauxhall elsewhere
No, the Vauxhall brand is strong enough to be the second biggest seller in this country (after Ford) and it really isn't a weaker brand than Ford (to the majority of car buyers). They are pretty much identical to the average person who isn't interested in cars (most car buyers).
Dazed and Confused said:
theplayingmantis said:
is a quite nice looking, but completely unoriginal, as most new basic cars are, kia stinger and this looking like audi/ VW arteon, and you would be mad to but a new one.
vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
How many know what a Holden is?vauxhalls reputation does however precede it, yes loyalist will not see it but to the man on the street with no affinity for any brand vauxhall is not aspirational, has basic quality, and juts an a-b vehicle. they would rather have a basic 'prestige' marque than a bells and whistles ford or vauxhall. sadly vauxhall is also perceived and rightly so in recent years with the awful vectra and average first gen insignia as behind ford as well.
they dont help themselves with ther awfyl marketing (see latest advert for the crossland c*ap mobile, seriously wtf, which is just a long line in recent weird adds)
They would do well to adopt the opel marque for a clean break (i would have said Holden, but thats not possible now), as yes those loyalists will moan, but it would help shift vauxhalls utiliatarian econobox reputation in the general populace, who wouldnt mostly choose a vauxhall by choice. Somehting like what citroen have done with DS perhaps instead may work.
Yes it shifts lots of cars of a certain type, but the majority of those people are looking for a cheap white good and if they could afford better would jump at a 'premium' german marque. Vauxhall will never move upmarket regardless of what it does (and color choice is not an upmarket move) whilst it brands itself as a vauxhall.
Jimmy Recard said:
Dazed and Confused said:
How many know what a Holden is?
Also he's missed the point that while you might be able to market Opel as a premium brand in the UK, what do you do in the rest of Europe?I suppose you could start selling them as Opel in the UK and Vauxhall elsewhere
No, the Vauxhall brand is strong enough to be the second biggest seller in this country (after Ford) and it really isn't a weaker brand than Ford (to the majority of car buyers). They are pretty much identical to the average person who isn't interested in cars (most car buyers).
ford has a reputation to joe bloggs that is slightly superior to vauxhall, thanks to all manner of things. whether its justified or not int he latest product line is another matter as fords class leading driver engagement is becoming a thing of the past it seems.
mackie1 said:
Nice looking thing, the new Insignia. It's rather reminiscent of the new A5 Sportback and that is not a bad thing at all. The have more or less the same wheelbase so this makes for an interesting comparison:
Does the new A5 Sportback come with fuzzy edges? Artist seems to be hedging his bets. Three different designs there. At least all agree where the wheels and doors are.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff