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Hi
I have just bought a GSI Sports Tourer and thought you may like to read some early impressions and see some pics. (Seeing as there is not much chance of most people seeing one at a dealership, or on the road, never mind driving one).
I had to travel to Midlands to try a GSI. Local dealers had never seen one!
A couple of years ago I tried one of the new model Insignias (Grand Sport) after launch. I was not keen. For me it was too long, too generic (Passat/Mazda/Peugeot) after having 4 old-model Insignias. (I still have a 65 plate Elite ST).
When the 'Exclusive Program' was launched I was interested again. They said you could have black-pack and any colour you want on a factory order. Then this became an option only for the new GSI. Then the program was dropped!
I fancied getting something different and liked the black pack, so after finding this Lava Red ex-management GSI ST I went for it.
3 by Peter Myers, on Flickr
12 by Peter Myers, on Flickr
9 by Peter Myers, on Flickr
7 by Peter Myers, on Flickr
The Petrol GSI was canned by Vauxhall last year, and I have never seen one for sale. This 210hp Biturbo Diesel is not a 'fast' car. Its not going to out-drag a RS6! Its not as quick as an old model VXR in a straight line. But I knew that. It is special and I like it so far. Considering the 20inch wheels the ride and noise levels are a lot better than I expected, especially in Flexride Tour. The Biturbo is not much quicker or torquey than a normal 170 in my view. However where it really wins and comes through strong is on Flexride Sport and in wet weather. Floor it at a junction or roundabout and it just goes. Very impressive 4x4 etc. It handles very well in any mode. I think you can tell a team of decent people have developed it, and done a thorough job. Main thing is refinement with the occasional useful bit of real-world performance
I have just bought a GSI Sports Tourer and thought you may like to read some early impressions and see some pics. (Seeing as there is not much chance of most people seeing one at a dealership, or on the road, never mind driving one).
I had to travel to Midlands to try a GSI. Local dealers had never seen one!
A couple of years ago I tried one of the new model Insignias (Grand Sport) after launch. I was not keen. For me it was too long, too generic (Passat/Mazda/Peugeot) after having 4 old-model Insignias. (I still have a 65 plate Elite ST).
When the 'Exclusive Program' was launched I was interested again. They said you could have black-pack and any colour you want on a factory order. Then this became an option only for the new GSI. Then the program was dropped!
I fancied getting something different and liked the black pack, so after finding this Lava Red ex-management GSI ST I went for it.
3 by Peter Myers, on Flickr12 by Peter Myers, on Flickr9 by Peter Myers, on Flickr7 by Peter Myers, on FlickrThe Petrol GSI was canned by Vauxhall last year, and I have never seen one for sale. This 210hp Biturbo Diesel is not a 'fast' car. Its not going to out-drag a RS6! Its not as quick as an old model VXR in a straight line. But I knew that. It is special and I like it so far. Considering the 20inch wheels the ride and noise levels are a lot better than I expected, especially in Flexride Tour. The Biturbo is not much quicker or torquey than a normal 170 in my view. However where it really wins and comes through strong is on Flexride Sport and in wet weather. Floor it at a junction or roundabout and it just goes. Very impressive 4x4 etc. It handles very well in any mode. I think you can tell a team of decent people have developed it, and done a thorough job. Main thing is refinement with the occasional useful bit of real-world performance
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