The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 1.6 CDTI Automatic, produced from July 2015 to January 2017, represented a key offering in Opel’s mid-size sedan lineup. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and comfortable option, this variant aimed to broaden the Insignia’s appeal beyond those seeking outright performance. It falls within the A-segment facelift of the first-generation Insignia (2008-2017), benefiting from styling and technology updates introduced in 2013. This particular configuration – the 1.6-liter diesel paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – was designed to provide a balance between economy and usability, targeting drivers prioritizing comfort and lower running costs over sporty handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CDTI (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2015 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5-6.4 l/100 km (36.2 – 36.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1-4.0 l/100 km (57.4 – 58.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.0-4.9 l/100 km (47 – 48 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 129-124 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.7 mm (3.14 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.1 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1548 kg (3412.76 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2140 kg (4717.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 592 kg (1305.14 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1015 l (35.84 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4842 mm (190.63 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the B16DTH, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘CDTI’ (Common-rail Diesel Turbo Injection) family, known for its efficiency and refinement. The B16DTH utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance by forcing more air into the cylinders. The engine produces 136 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and a respectable 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2000-2250 rpm. This torque output is a key characteristic of modern diesel engines, providing strong pulling power at lower engine speeds. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16:1. Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and contributing to the car’s ease of driving. This transmission wasn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency over rapid shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CDTI Automatic Insignia delivers a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.4 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but doesn’t offer particularly brisk performance. The automatic transmission is tuned for smooth operation, and while it doesn’t offer manual shift modes or particularly aggressive programming, it effectively utilizes the engine’s torque to provide reasonable responsiveness. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter CDTI variants, this 1.6-liter engine feels less strained during highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. However, it lacks the outright punch of the larger engine. The gear ratios are optimized for fuel economy, meaning the engine often operates at lower RPMs, contributing to its quiet operation. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, but it isn’t geared towards enthusiastic driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CDTI Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These generally included air conditioning, electric windows, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Sport’ or ‘Exclusive’, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and upgraded audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan’s chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride quality. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The steering is electrically assisted, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 CDTI Automatic Insignia was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical option. Its fuel economy figures – around 47-48 US mpg combined – were a major selling point. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter CDTI variants, it offered lower running costs but sacrificed some performance. The automatic transmission was praised for its smoothness, but some reviewers found it to be somewhat slow to respond. The Insignia competed with other mid-size sedans such as the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508.
Legacy
The B16DTH engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly. Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and DPF regeneration, is crucial for long-term reliability. In the used car market, the 1.6 CDTI Automatic Insignia represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped mid-size sedan. Its relatively low purchase price and running costs make it an attractive option for those prioritizing practicality over outright performance.
