The Opel Insignia Country Tourer, specifically the variant equipped with the 1.6-liter (170 horsepower) Turbo Ecotec engine and a six-speed manual transmission, was produced from May 2014 to January 2017. This model represents a key offering within the Insignia A facelift range, positioned as a more rugged, all-weather oriented version of the standard Insignia Sports Tourer (wagon). It aimed to blend the practicality of a station wagon with a degree of off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile family vehicle. The Country Tourer distinguished itself through its raised ride height, standard all-wheel drive, and protective body cladding.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Country Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (170 Hp) Turbo Ecotec start/stop |
| 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) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 146 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1650-4250 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| 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 Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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
The heart of this Insignia Country Tourer is the A16XHT (or B16SHL, depending on the specific market and year) 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is part of Opel’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. It utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine’s 170 horsepower peak is achieved at 4250 rpm, while its 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque is available from a low 1650 rpm, providing good responsiveness for everyday driving. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing drivers with full control over gear selection. The Start/Stop system, standard equipment, further enhances fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter turbo engine, paired with the six-speed manual, delivers a balanced driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as the higher-powered 2.0-liter turbo variants, it provides sufficient power for comfortable cruising and overtaking. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 9.3 seconds, and the top speed is 133.59 mph. The manual transmission allows for precise gear changes, and the engine’s torque curve ensures that there’s ample pulling power available across a wide range of engine speeds. Compared to the automatic transmission option available on other Insignia models, the manual provides a more engaging driving experience and slightly improved fuel economy. The all-wheel drive system, standard on the Country Tourer, enhances traction in adverse weather conditions and on loose surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Country Tourer 1.6 Turbo Ecotec typically came well-equipped as standard. Key features included alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Inside, the cabin featured comfortable seating for five passengers, with a focus on practicality and durability. Upholstery was typically cloth, although leather options were available. Standard infotainment systems included a touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. Optional extras included navigation systems, a premium sound system, and advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Chassis & Braking
The Country Tourer’s chassis was specifically tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The suspension system consisted of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The raised ride height, a defining feature of the Country Tourer, provided increased ground clearance for tackling rough terrain. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The steering system was an electric power-assisted rack and pinion setup, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Insignia Country Tourer 1.6 Turbo Ecotec was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its versatility, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.6-liter engine could feel slightly underpowered when the vehicle was fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to the 2.0-liter turbo variants, the 1.6-liter offered a more affordable entry point into the Country Tourer range, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel economy and practicality over outright performance. The 1.9 CDTI diesel variants were also popular, offering even better fuel economy but with a different driving character.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Country Tourer, including the 1.6 Turbo Ecotec variant, has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The 1.6-liter engine is generally considered to be durable, although regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term reliability. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the Start/Stop system. Overall, the Insignia Country Tourer remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a spacious, versatile, and well-equipped station wagon with a degree of all-weather capability. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and affordability has ensured its continued presence on roads throughout Europe and beyond.
