The Opel Insignia Country Tourer (B) 1.5 Turbo, producing 165 horsepower, was a variant of Opel’s flagship D-segment vehicle, positioned as a more rugged, all-weather oriented version of the standard Insignia Sports Tourer (wagon). Introduced in October 2017 and remaining in production until June 2018, this model aimed to bridge the gap between a traditional station wagon and a soft-roader, offering increased ground clearance and a more capable all-wheel drive system (available as an option). It was part of the second-generation Insignia (B) which utilized the GM’s Epsilon II platform, shared with other vehicles like the Buick Regal. This particular 1.5 Turbo engine represented a mid-range offering within the Insignia lineup, slotting below the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline and diesel options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Country Tourer (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Turbo (165 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2017 |
| End of production | June, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 147 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 213 km/h (132.35 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B15XFT |
| Engine displacement | 1490 cm3 (90.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.6 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1447 kg (3190.09 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2085 kg (4596.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 638 kg (1406.55 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1665 l (58.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 5004 mm (197.01 in.) |
| Width | 1871 mm (73.66 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2093 mm (82.4 in.) |
| Height | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2829 mm (111.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1607 mm (63.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1002 mm (39.45 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1173 mm (46.18 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.74 m (38.52 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/50 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia Country Tourer 1.5 Turbo was the B15XFT engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine belonged to Opel’s new generation of small-displacement, turbocharged powerplants. It featured direct fuel injection, a technology that improves fuel efficiency and power output by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The engine also utilized a single-scroll turbocharger with intercooling to boost performance. The 1.5L engine produced 165 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 4500 rpm. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 10.1:1 helped to prevent knocking when using regular unleaded gasoline. The standard transmission was a six-speed manual gearbox, although an optional six-speed automatic transmission was also available. The automatic transmission was designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes, contributing to the car’s overall refinement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 Turbo engine, paired with the manual transmission, provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) took around 9.5 seconds, and the top speed was 132.35 mph (213 km/h). While not a particularly sporty setup, the engine offered a decent amount of torque, making it easy to overtake and merge onto highways. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the 1.5 Turbo felt less responsive, especially at higher speeds. However, it offered better fuel economy and a more relaxed driving experience. The six-speed manual transmission had well-spaced gear ratios, allowing the driver to keep the engine in its optimal power band. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could sometimes feel hesitant when downshifting.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Country Tourer 1.5 Turbo typically came with a generous amount of standard equipment. This included features like air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Country Tourer trim specifically added features geared towards outdoor activities, such as all-wheel drive (optional), increased ground clearance, and protective cladding around the lower body.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Country Tourer featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, but it still offered decent handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The steering was electric power-assisted, offering a light and precise feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Country Tourer 1.5 Turbo was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous equipment levels. However, some critics noted that the 1.5 Turbo engine felt underpowered for a vehicle of its size and weight. Compared to the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, the 1.5 Turbo offered lower performance but better fuel economy. The 1.5 Turbo was positioned as an entry-level option within the Insignia Country Tourer lineup, appealing to buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Country Tourer 1.5 Turbo, while not the most powerful variant of the Insignia, offered a compelling combination of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The B15XFT engine proved to be a reliable unit, and the Insignia Country Tourer has maintained a decent reputation for reliability in the used car market. Today, these vehicles can be found at reasonable prices, making them an attractive option for buyers looking for a spacious and versatile station wagon. The Insignia Country Tourer, in general, helped to popularize the crossover-estate segment, blending the practicality of a wagon with the rugged appeal of an SUV.
