When we think of sportiness at Opel, we naturally think of the Opel Performance Center (OPC), the internal department responsible for shaving the manufacturer's popular productions.Corsa, Astra, Insignia and even Zafira, all these models exist or have existed in a well-"sports variant" have you seen ".This is also the OPC touch, unbridle mechanics but also bodybuilder the bodywork with protuberant shields, huge gowns and full -fledged rims.Not easy to assume for a father who would still want to have fun driving but without undergoing the mockery of Madame who would only see Tuning Center Auto.It takes something more sober.13 years before the creation of OPC, Opel already had an intermediate claw, applied for the first time at the time at the Opel Kadett E: GSI, for Grand Sport Injection.GSI is to OPC what GT is to GTI at Peugeot or S is at RS at Audi in short.

A compromise claw which explains why the engineers of OPC (which remain in charge of the development of the GSI models), under the leadership of Volker Strycek, Ring Meister and first pilot to have won the very recorded DTM championship, were satisfied with'A block 2.0, calibrated at 260 hp for supercharged petrol and 210 hp for bi-turbo diesel.Two blocks that are not of an indomitable passion.The 0 to 100 km/h is shot in 7.3 sec for gasoline and 7.9 sec for diesel.In return, they limit consumption (respectively 8.6 l/100km and 7.0 l/100 km), but not the emissions, measured at 197 g/km of CO2 and 186 g/km of CO2 rejected respectively, the maximum penalty guaranteed for the purchase of 10,500 euros!

Limited engine performance therefore and difficult to console yourself by listening to singing these blocks via artificial amplification on the speakers, never very convincing.But at least with this mechanics, we can still swallow the kilometers without ending the day saturated with tinnitus.

Have fun without being scary

The strength of the Insignia GSI, it is above all its chassis.Developed during towers and towers on the northern loop of the Nürburgring, the sedan is set to be very progressive, whatever the pace adopted.A very reassuring typing whatever its level behind the wheel.The internal joke is to say that this is the "Great Strycek Input", if the meaning of the GSI logo had to be reinterpreted.The all -wheel drive is in series, thus distributing the most torque on the most adherent wheels and slowing down the interior.Insignia GSI is also reduced by 160 kg compared to the old insignia OPC.It is also lowered by 10 mm, receives stiff and piloted shock absorbers, 4 -piston brake brakes...The Insignia GSI may be very neutral in its behavior, it does not prevent beautiful drifts of the 4 wheels, while trusting the pupil of the "Competition" driving mode of driving.The latter degrades the ESP to authorize a touch of madness behind the wheel of the insignia.In fast curves, it is also capable of an excellent level of adhesion, even on irregular surface.In the tights on the other hand, a more biting direction would have helped to forget the size of what remains a road to "Autobahn".In this formula, we must also take into account the fact that our test models were equipped with optional 20 -inch rims which can be associated with expensive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires which bring enormously in terms of performance.The Insignia GSI is only available in automatic transmission, the latter is really not the most reactive in sport mode but will still be very appreciable the rest of the time.

Stay discreet

Tonic engines but far from being damaged, a behavior that can become a player but always healthy, the insignia gsi cultivates a reasonable sportiness.Its plastic shows it just as much with chrome on shields and exhaust tips, small vertical gowns, side skirts and that is almost everything: the tracksuit remains discreet.Even the spoiler is optional (100 euros), in case it is already too seeing.

The Insignia GSI of course benefits from the same developments as the standard model, renewed last year, with a battery of aid and assistance allowing semi-automatic driving but not until total stop, damage.Its LED matrix projectors are particularly effective and have nothing to envy to premium.Its gsi logos bucket seats are, as always at Opel, AGR certified in order to preserve its back even on the circuit, they are also heated, ventilated and even massages.A thick flat and rim steering wheel as well as inserts imitating carbon fiber or an aluminum and non -slip crankier also make it possible to identify this slightly more sporty model than usual on Insignia.Opel leaves optional, via packs, 360 ° vision for maneuvers or more refined Nappa leather seats.

Prices that make cough

Count 46,730 euros all the same for an Insignia GSI 2.0 turbo 260hp at8 AWD and 47,180 euros for the 2.0 Diesel Biturbo 210 hp AWD.Unless you opt for its break declination which, for 1,500 euros more adds can be even more style and offer of 560 liters to 1,665 liters of loading capacity under its electric tailgate.These prices are out of penalty of 10,500 euros which, once applied, brings it closer to premium models like the Audi A6 2.0 TDI or BMW 520D.Both are slightly less powerful (190 hp), will be less well equipped by default but once the options are checked to match the 57,950 euros necessary in all to offer the Insignia GSI Diesel, there is something to hesitate...On the other hand, practically no competition among the French, apart from the Talisman S-Edition recently presented in Geneva animated by the alpine fuel block calibrated at 225hp, EDC automatic transmission and 4-wheeled but non-motor wheels.This model will not be available before the start of the school year.The Volkswagen Passat TDI 240 on the other hand does better everywhere in performance.Price 53,750 euros, it will also be necessary to draw from the options to approach the default endow of the insignia, also more recent.

to summarize

Discover our full test of the Opel Insignia GSI.