The Opel Insignia Country Tourer, specifically the 2.0 (250 Hp) AWD Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop variant produced from September 2013 to January 2017, represents a significant offering in the European market for a premium, all-wheel-drive station wagon. This model, part of the Insignia A facelift, aimed to blend the practicality of an estate car with a more rugged, capable persona, appealing to drivers seeking both comfort and all-weather performance. It occupied a higher position within the Insignia lineup, positioned above the base models and often competing with vehicles like the Audi A6 allroad and Volvo XC70.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Country Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (250 Hp) AWD Turbo Ecotec start/stop |
| Start of production | September, 2013 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 189 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 250 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 125.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20NHT, B20NHT |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 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 (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 | 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
At the heart of the Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 AWD lies the A20NHT (or B20NHT) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is a member of Opel’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and performance. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a technology that precisely meters fuel directly into the combustion chamber, improving both power and fuel economy. The engine also features an intercooler, which cools the intake air, increasing its density and further enhancing performance. The turbocharger provides a significant boost in power output, allowing the engine to produce 250 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 2500 and 4000 rpm. The engine incorporates a Start/Stop system to further improve fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing drivers with direct control over gear selection.
Driving Characteristics
The 250 hp engine paired with the all-wheel-drive system delivers a confident and capable driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 7.5 seconds, and the car reaches a top speed of 146 mph. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in various weather conditions, making it a suitable vehicle for year-round use. Compared to lower-powered Insignia variants, such as the 1.6L or 2.0L diesel models, the 2.0 Turbo offers significantly more responsive acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. While not as sporty as some dedicated performance cars, the Insignia Country Tourer provides a good balance between comfort and performance. The manual transmission allows for precise control, but the gear ratios are tuned more for fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Country Tourer trim level was generally well-equipped. Standard features typically included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. The Country Tourer also featured unique exterior styling elements, such as body cladding and roof rails, giving it a more rugged appearance. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Country Tourer utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The all-wheel-drive system employs a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Insignia Country Tourer was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and capable all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0 Turbo engine was considered a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the car’s styling was somewhat conservative and that the interior materials could be of higher quality. Compared to other models in the Insignia lineup, the 2.0 Turbo AWD Country Tourer represented a premium offering, appealing to buyers who prioritized performance and all-weather capability. Fuel economy, while respectable, was not as good as the diesel variants, but the petrol engine offered a smoother and more refined driving experience.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Country Tourer 2.0 AWD Turbo Ecotec Start/Stop has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The 2.0-liter turbo engine is generally considered durable, although regular maintenance is essential. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the direct injection system. The all-wheel-drive system is also generally reliable, but it’s important to check for any signs of damage or wear. Today, the Insignia Country Tourer remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and capable station wagon at a reasonable price point. Its blend of practicality, performance, and all-weather capability continues to make it a compelling option in the used car market.
