The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, specifically the 2.0 CDTI (163 hp) AWD Ecotec Automatic variant produced from July 2013 to June 2015, represents a significant offering in the European D-segment station wagon market. This model falls within the ‘A’ generation of the Insignia, benefitting from the 2013 facelift which brought styling and technological updates. Positioned as a mid-range option within the Insignia lineup, it catered to buyers seeking a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and all-weather capability. The Sports Tourer body style, Opel’s designation for a station wagon, aimed to provide increased cargo space and versatility compared to the standard hatchback.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (163 Hp) AWD Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h (129.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1956 cm3 (119.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt, 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt, 7.92 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 | 4913 mm (193.43 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1513 mm (59.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 the Insignia 2.0 CDTI AWD is the A20DTH engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel’s Ecotec family, emphasizing efficiency and reduced emissions. The A20DTH utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance by forcing more air into the cylinders. The engine produces 163 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. This torque output is a key characteristic of diesel engines, providing strong pulling power at lower engine speeds. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce soot emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards. Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and contributing to ease of driving. This transmission was chosen to broaden the appeal of the vehicle, offering convenience over the standard manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 163 hp 2.0 CDTI automatic powertrain delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.3 seconds, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and weight. The automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making it a safe and confident vehicle to drive year-round. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 BiTurbo diesel or the petrol variants, this version prioritizes fuel economy and relaxed cruising over outright performance. The gear ratios are optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine doesn’t rev as high as it could, resulting in a more subdued engine note.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI AWD Automatic typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels, such as SE Nav or Elite, added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system, and advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer features a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The all-wheel-drive system utilizes a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing ample stopping power, while the rear brakes are typically solid discs on this configuration. Electric power steering provides a light and precise steering feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort, but the car still handles predictably and securely.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI AWD Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system was also seen as a significant advantage, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Compared to other D-segment station wagons like the Ford Mondeo Estate or the Volkswagen Passat Variant, the Insignia offered a distinctive styling and a competitive level of equipment. Fuel economy was comparable to other diesel-powered rivals, averaging around 36.8 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the DPF system, a common problem with modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI AWD Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle. The A20DTH engine, while not without its potential issues (such as DPF regeneration problems), is generally considered a robust and long-lasting unit. On the used car market, these models represent good value for money, offering a lot of space, comfort, and practicality for a reasonable price. The all-wheel-drive system adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for buyers in colder climates. While newer models have since been released, the first-generation Insignia Sports Tourer remains a capable and well-regarded station wagon.
