The Opel Insignia Sedan (A) 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX, produced from July 2012 to June 2013, represented a unique offering within the first generation (A) Insignia lineup. Positioned as an economy-focused variant, it combined a turbocharged gasoline engine with the flexibility of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) capability. This model aimed to appeal to drivers seeking lower running costs and reduced emissions without sacrificing all aspects of comfort and practicality. It was part of the broader Insignia A range, which utilized the GM Delta II platform, also known internally as the 1HX0/A3 platform, and served as Opel’s flagship D-segment sedan, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2012 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 7.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 124 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1850-4900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 517 kg (1139.79 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1010 l (35.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1858 mm (73.15 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Insignia 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX lies the A14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and designed for bi-fuel operation (gasoline and LPG). This engine produced 140 horsepower at 4900-6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque between 1850 and 4900 rpm. The engine utilized multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The turbocharger provided increased power output from a relatively small displacement engine. The LPG system was factory-installed, allowing seamless switching between fuels. The 6-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox option available with this engine, prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. With 140 hp and a curb weight of around 3313 lbs, acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 11.8 seconds. The engine felt responsive enough for everyday driving, but lacked the punch of the higher-powered 1.6 or 2.0-liter turbocharged options available in the Insignia range. The manual transmission, while offering driver engagement, had relatively long gearing, further emphasizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. Switching to LPG resulted in a slight power reduction, but also lowered fuel costs. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride on most road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system, and basic safety equipment like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels, available as options, could add features like alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system, parking sensors, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with the option of leather upgrades. The dashboard layout was typical of the Insignia A, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan (A) featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension setup prioritized ride comfort and stability, rather than outright handling performance. The steering was power-assisted, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical option within the Insignia range. Its fuel efficiency, particularly when running on LPG, was a major selling point. However, some reviewers noted its relatively slow acceleration and lack of dynamic driving characteristics compared to more powerful Insignia variants. Compared to the 1.6-liter gasoline model, the 1.4 LPG offered similar fuel economy but with the added benefit of lower LPG fuel costs. Against the 2.0-liter diesel models, it offered a different driving experience, with the LPG version being quieter but less fuel-efficient on gasoline.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX represents an interesting chapter in Opel’s history, showcasing the brand’s commitment to alternative fuels. While not a high-performance variant, it provided a cost-effective and environmentally conscious option for buyers. On the used car market, these models are generally considered reliable, with the A14NET engine proving to be relatively durable. However, potential buyers should be aware of the specific maintenance requirements of the LPG system, including regular inspections and valve adjustments. The Insignia A, in general, established Opel as a serious contender in the D-segment, and the LPG variant offered a unique proposition for those seeking to reduce their running costs.
