The diesel engine is the same 2.0 BiTurbo four-cylinder that debuted on regular models a few days ago, with 210 hp and 480 Nm of power, channeled by an all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring through a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The brand, owned by PSA since August 1, claims it takes 7.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-100 km/h, with a top speed of 231 km/h. According to the NEDC cycle, fuel consumption is 8.9 l/100 km in the city, 6.1 l/100 km on the highway and 7.3 l/100 km combined, while CO2 emissions are rated at 192 g/km.
Those who prefer a turbocharged petrol engine can also order the new Insignia GSi Sports Tourer with the two-litre 260 bhp and 400 Nm, which allows it to go from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and sprint to a top speed of 245 km/h.
Both models sit 10mm closer to the ground than the regular versions and benefit from the standard FlexRide chassis, 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, 345mm Brembo brakes and the so-called 'Competition' mode, which can be activated by switching off the ESP.Inside you can expect sport seats with great lateral support but with the ergonomic seal of AGR, as well as other unique details such as the aluminum bottom bracket, the black roof or the asymmetrical steering wheel that along with the gear knob, will wear the GSi logo in a cabin with five spacious seats and a trunk with 560 liters of capacity expandable to 1,665.
Visual updates applied to the new Insignia GSi Sports Tourer include large chrome air intakes on the front and rear diffuser, plus new sports seats, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel and several other tweaks.
On the other hand, Opel presents what will begin to be its range in the near future, a commitment to hybridization. And what less than starting with what will surely be a bestseller for the brand: the Grandland X. For the occasion, the SUV of the firm of lightning has been baptized as Grandland X Plug-in Hybrid.
Without sharing too many details yet, Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said that the Grandland X will be the first in a series of plug-in hybrids.
Employing PSA Group technology, it will likely use the powertrain debuted in the new DS 7 Crossback: the 200 hp 1.6 THP turbocharged gasoline engine and two 122 hp electric motors combined. That results in a total output of around 300 hp. Since we doubt that Opel will launch a model with so much power and that it could steal sales from its relatives, the final figure could be reduced to achieve a more affordable product. This powertrain is associated with a lithium-ion battery of 13 kWh capacity with which the Opel Grandland X could travel about 50 or 60 km without any polluting emissions.
Without knowing more details about this model, the new Opel SUV will soon be available in a diesel version and another variant equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission developed by Aisin. Yes, it is the same one used in models like the Insignia or Peugeot 308.
