[Rob]

The car spied testing, sporting twin exhausts and beefier alloys, hints at a model sitting somewhere between a new 197bhp 1.6-litre SRi version and a full-blown VXR - and it could be the car to revive the legendary Vauxhall Astra GSi badge.

Expected to offer around 250bhp, it would put the GSi up against Ford's Focus ST, leaving the way clear for a mega VXR to face off against the new Ford Focus RS.

Full story here: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/astra/91334/vauxhall-astra-gsi-set-to-rival-focus-st-before-full-on-astra-vxr-arrives

 

[Lesley]

The GSi trim is expected initially to be offered only on the five-door version of the 
new Astra, although there could eventually be a Sports Tourer model to rival fast estates such as the Focus ST estate and Seat Leon ST Cupra.

It will not be offered as a three-door GTC version, at least not to start off with, because Vauxhall plans to continue selling the three-door VXR for the foreseeable future. The GTC VXR was launched after the previous-generation Astra, in 2012, and is set to continue for the time being.



A GSi trim would offer a more sporty look and set-up than that of the standard Astra but stop short of the full-on appearance and mechanicals of the VXR. Items such as sports suspension, upgraded brakes and more supportive seats are likely, but it will not offer a full limited-slip differential.

 

[BrickFan]

Looks pretty good! Much better than before.

 

[Zantetsuken]

The proof of the pudding will, of course, be in the driving, but it seems that the 2015 Astra has been improved in almost every area.