The Opel Insignia Country Tourer, specifically the variant produced from May 2014 to January 2017 featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, represented a compelling offering in the European market. This model, part of the facelifted ‘A’ generation (introduced in 2013), aimed to blend the practicality of a station wagon with a more rugged, all-weather capability. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the broader Insignia Country Tourer lineup, it offered a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and features, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile family vehicle. It was primarily sold in Europe, where Opel (now part of Stellantis) held a significant market share.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Country Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (170 Hp) Turbo Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1650-4250 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1650-4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A16XHT, B16SHL |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1530 l (54.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4920 mm (193.7 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Height | 1522 mm (59.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Rear track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Insignia Country Tourer variant lies the A16XHT (or sometimes B16SHL) 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is part of Opel’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower at 4250 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1650 rpm, sustaining through 4250 rpm. This broad torque curve was a key characteristic, designed to provide good responsiveness in everyday driving situations. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was chosen for its smooth operation and contribution to fuel economy. While not a performance-oriented gearbox, it was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering adequate shift quality and a reasonable spread of ratios.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and automatic transmission combination delivered a comfortable and generally capable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 9.9 seconds, which was respectable for a vehicle of this size and class, but noticeably slower than the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged or V6 options available in the Insignia range. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, and lacked the responsiveness of a manual gearbox. This meant that overtaking maneuvers required a degree of planning. However, the engine’s strong low-end torque compensated to some extent, making it easy to maintain cruising speeds on highways. The Country Tourer’s all-wheel-drive system (standard on this trim) provided enhanced traction in adverse weather conditions, a key selling point for buyers in regions with frequent rain or snow.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Country Tourer 1.6 Turbo Automatic typically came well-equipped as standard. Features included alloy wheels, roof rails, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. The interior generally featured cloth upholstery, although leather options were available as upgrades. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, heated seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Country Tourer trim specifically added exterior styling cues designed to evoke a more rugged appearance, such as plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Country Tourer utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The all-wheel-drive system, utilizing a multi-plate clutch, distributed torque between the front and rear axles as needed, enhancing stability and traction. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced stopping power and control during emergency braking situations. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride quality, although it could feel slightly wallowy in spirited driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6-liter turbocharged automatic Insignia Country Tourer received generally positive reviews, particularly for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. Critics noted that it wasn’t the most exciting car to drive, but it offered a practical and well-rounded package for families. Compared to the higher-output 2.0-liter turbocharged versions, the 1.6-liter model offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. The 2.0-liter diesel variants (like the 1.9 TDI) were also popular, offering even greater fuel efficiency and strong torque, but with a different driving character. The 1.6L automatic was often seen as a good compromise for those prioritizing economy and comfort over outright performance.
Legacy
The 1.6-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine proved to be a relatively reliable unit, although like any turbocharged engine, it required regular maintenance and oil changes. The Aisin six-speed automatic transmission also had a good reputation for durability. In the used car market, the Insignia Country Tourer 1.6 Turbo Automatic represents a good value proposition, offering a spacious and well-equipped vehicle at an affordable price. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for wear and tear on suspension components and the importance of checking the service history to ensure that the engine has been properly maintained. Overall, this variant remains a practical and capable choice for those seeking a versatile family estate car.
