The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (A) 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX, producing 140 horsepower, was a variant of the first-generation Insignia (A) produced between July 2011 and June 2013. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering within the Sports Tourer – Opel’s station wagon body style – it aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. This model was primarily marketed in Europe, where station wagons maintain significant popularity, and represented Opel’s attempt to capture a segment of buyers seeking a spacious and economical family vehicle. It was built on the GM Delta II platform, also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX (140 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | July, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| 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, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1560 kg (3439.21 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2215 kg (4883.24 lbs.) |
| Max load | 655 kg (1444.03 lbs.) |
| 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 | 4908 mm (193.23 in.) |
| Width | 1858 mm (73.15 in.) |
| Height | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia Sports Tourer 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX is the A14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The A14NET features multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s design prioritized fuel economy, incorporating technologies like start/stop functionality to reduce emissions and fuel consumption during city driving. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to maximize fuel economy while still providing adequate acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 140 horsepower and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 1.4 Turbo engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 10.5 seconds, and top speed was limited to 124 mph. Compared to the more powerful 1.6L and 2.0L turbocharged variants, or the diesel options, this engine felt less responsive, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the 1.4 Turbo offered a smoother and more refined driving experience than the base 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. The manual transmission allowed for precise control, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel efficiency over outright performance. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a compliant ride, but handling was not as sharp as some of its competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo system, electric front windows, and central locking. Safety features included ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered options like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors, and heated seats. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension at the front (MacPherson strut) and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, but the torsion beam rear suspension limited handling precision compared to more sophisticated independent rear suspension setups found in higher-spec models. The steering was hydraulically assisted, offering a reasonable level of feedback.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX variant of the Insignia Sports Tourer was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and practicality. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its larger counterparts. Compared to the 1.6L petrol and 2.0L diesel models, the 1.4 Turbo offered a compromise between performance and economy. The 2.0L diesel, for example, provided significantly more torque and better fuel economy, but at a higher purchase price. The 1.6L petrol was more affordable but offered less power and refinement. The 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX appealed to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and practicality over outright performance.
Legacy
The A14NET engine, while not known for being exceptionally robust, generally proved reliable with regular maintenance. Common issues included turbocharger wear and occasional problems with the fuel injectors. The Insignia Sports Tourer, in general, has established a reputation as a practical and spacious family car. On the used car market, the 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX variant represents an affordable entry point into the Insignia range, appealing to buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and well-equipped station wagon. Its relatively simple engine design and readily available parts contribute to its continued appeal as a budget-friendly option.
