Spied in Germany with very little camouflage and rolling on steel wheels, the prototype Astra GSI betrays its new performance ambitions by virtue of new front and rear bumper with red detailing, dual exhaust outlets, red GS badge, sans the I, on the grille, and red brake calipers. No interior shots were taken, but expect it to mirror that of the Insignia with black detailing, sport seats and aluminium inserts.
Speculation is however open to the choice of engine with reports suggesting the GSI will drop the previous OPC's 2.0-litre turbo for the 1.6-litre mill currently used in the top-spec Astra, producing in the region of around 150 kW as opposed to the latter's 206 kW.
Other reports have claimed that the Astra GSI could employ the Insignia's 191 kW 2.0-litre mill, but without the Twinster all-wheel drive setup, likely making it a rival for the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane RS instead of the Honda Civic Type R and all-wheel driven Focus RS and Golf R.
Expect more details to be emerge in the coming weeks and months.
