General Comments:
It's a cheap European muscle car. My pre-1990 12v version has 177hp (although I suspect it is a bit less now).
The GSI fuel consumption is just under 20MPG in the city, and around 23MPG on long trips.
It has around 30 hp less than the 24v post-90 version (more than 200hp), and is more thirsty too.
Great sound, sporty and comfortable ride, good brakes and addictive acceleration. After getting used to the grunt and the torque, I could use some more. I paid £650 and am not planning to invest more. It should last until the next MOT, and then I'll probably replace it with a Carlton 3.0 24v Estate or a Senator 24v.
The one thing which is a bit of a disappointment is the gearbox and the gear change. The gear ratios are a bit surprising, the 1st gear being extremely short, the 2nd is nice, and I often use it to start from zero. A 6th gear for motorway cruising would be nice, but then it's an 80s car... The gear change travel is a bit long; the whole thing appears more out of a truck than being constructed for a car.
The GSIs are often slightly cheaper than the Senators 3.0 12v or 24v, but share most of the components, including the engine. My recommendation is an automatic, and therefore buy the normal Carlton 3.0 or a Senator (the Police Senator is often equipped with manual as well, normal versions have only been sold with an automatic transmission).
28th Nov 2000, 05:12
I have just purchased and 89 model GSi and the engine seems very quiet at 125,000. Little concerned about a crypton report ready 75% on cylinder 3 though. All other cylinders seem to be Eh OK and I hope after I receive some expert advice that this car gives me a year or two of reliability.
At 60-70 mph I got 32mpg on the computer although I am not to sure how accurate this is.
I have decided to go with your advice of driving in town in 2nd, 4th and 5th gears. This seems fine. I agree with your short 1st gear ratio. However, so far this is a lot of car for the money.
This car behaves really well at all speeds and the comfort is A1.
Overall so far so good. But I shall return in a month or so with an update.
A little anxious at the moment as I have never gone to this league of motor. But it still looks the part and am contemplating a replica Lotus kit for it in the near future.
Please, if you know, could you advise me if this version 1989 F reg, non-cat can be driven on unleaded. The other non-cat 4 valve Carltons I have driven have had switchable timing clips that allow you to change octane rated fuel. My GSi does not seem to have this switch on the offside of the engine, under the wiper blade. The Vauxhall manual to me is a bit vague on this matter. Can anyone help as I would like to start putting cheaper fuel into this beast.
AndyG