Opel: This is what the Insignia Grand Sport offers
PLACE AND POWER When you hear the combination Opel and GSi, you first think of wild Corsa and Kadett. But Rüsselsheim also attaches the magic three letters to the rear of the second-generation Insignia, which has been around since 2017. The due model update gives the Insignia a facelift in the truest sense of the word, because at the front the [...]
The overdue model update gives the Insignia a facelift in the truest sense of the word, because the changes are most visible at the front.
The adaptive IntelliLux LED pixel light is new. It now has a total of 168 LED elements - 84 per headlight. The saber-tooth-look front openings and the more dynamic apron are striking features.
Last model under the direction of General Motors
The 4.91-meter length for the Grand Sport and a width of 1.86 meters with the exterior mirrors folded in show that the Insignia is the last Yank model under the direction of General Motors.
In fact, it travels from Rüsselsheim to the States as the Buick Regal. After all, its lush dimensions provide plenty of room for five passengers and lots of luggage.
The cockpit is clean and clearly laid out, and an 8-inch navigation system with touchscreen is on board as standard. Everything works flawlessly. Some colleagues found the sports seats too narrow. However, the side bolsters are optionally electropneumatically adjustable, as in our test car. So not really a problem.
Now a turbocharged gasoline engine instead of a biturbo diesel engine
While the car was previously powered by a 210 hp biturbo diesel, the new version has a two-liter turbo gasoline engine with 230 hp under the hood. Maximum torque is 350 Newton meters.
To save fuel, the unit has a cylinder deactivation system: At low load, the variable camshaft control system deactivates two cylinders. All of this happens quietly and secretly.
Lateral control and traction with torque vectoring
The sport-tuned all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which can be activated at the push of a button, is unique in this segment. In 4×4 drive, two clutches replace a conventional rear axle differential.
With this technology, the car can be steered in agilely and it offers good lateral control and traction. This creates a pleasant feeling of safety.
Standard mechatronic Flexride chassis
The driver can choose between Standard, Tour, Sport and - exclusive to the GSi - Competition modes. The accelerator pedal curve, the shift points of the automatic transmission, the steering and the shock absorbers are influenced.
The Insignia Grand Sport is equipped as standard with Torque Vectoring, a mechatronic flexride suspension system. It adapts shock absorbers and steering in a fraction of a second.
Safety through camera and reversing assistant
The new Insignia has the full range of assistance and infotainment systems. A digital rearview camera improves visibility to the rear. Safety, particularly when backing out of a parking space, is enhanced by the rear-view assistant available with the camera.
Other features include systems such as lane and lane departure warning, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control with emergency braking function, traffic sign recognition, automatic parking assist and the head-up display.
Car for families and relaxed long trips
The Grand Sport is a quiet, relaxed touring car on the highway. This is also ensured by the standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The rich suspension comfort is pleasant, and the lightning curves around corners with great commitment when needed. This is what makes a car fun.
