The Opel Insignia Grand Sport (B) 1.5 Turbo, producing 140 horsepower, was a key variant in the second generation of Opel’s flagship D-segment hatchback. Introduced in June 2017 and remaining in production until June 2018, this model occupied a central position within the Insignia range, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, performance, and affordability. It was designed to appeal to families and commuters seeking a spacious and well-equipped vehicle. The Insignia Grand Sport (B) was built on the GM Epsilon II platform, shared with other vehicles like the Buick Regal, and represented Opel’s attempt to compete with established rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Grand Sport (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Turbo (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2017 |
| End of production | June, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 133 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 94 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000-4100 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B15XFL |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| 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 | 1365 kg (3009.31 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2015 kg (4442.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1450 l (51.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Length | 4897 mm (192.8 in.) |
| Width | 1863 mm (73.35 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1941 mm (76.42 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2093 mm (82.4 in.) |
| Height | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2829 mm (111.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1607 mm (63.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Front overhang | 990 mm (38.98 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1078 mm (42.44 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.74 m (38.52 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| 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 | 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo was the B15XFL engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was part of Opel’s new generation of small-displacement, direct-injection turbocharged engines. It featured direct fuel injection, allowing for precise fuel delivery and improved combustion efficiency. The engine utilized a single-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The valvetrain employed a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) configuration with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The engine produced 140 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 4100 rpm. This torque curve provided good responsiveness in everyday driving situations. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was available on other Insignia variants, the 1.5 Turbo was primarily offered with the manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 Turbo engine, coupled with the six-speed manual transmission, provided a reasonably engaging driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9.4 seconds, and the top speed was 130.49 mph. While not a performance-oriented variant, the engine offered sufficient power for comfortable highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios were well-matched, providing adequate acceleration in each gear. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available in higher trims, the 1.5 Turbo felt less urgent, but it offered better fuel economy. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, but it required more effort in stop-and-go traffic compared to an automatic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 Turbo variant typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Design’ and ‘Elegance’, added features like heated seats, a larger touchscreen display, parking sensors, and upgraded interior trim materials. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Grand Sport (B) featured an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was an electric power-assisted rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, but it also provided adequate handling stability. The standard tire size was 215/60 R16, mounted on 6.5J x 16 alloy wheels.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the 1.5-liter engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to the 2.0-liter turbocharged variants, the 1.5 Turbo offered a more affordable entry point into the Insignia range, but it sacrificed some performance. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.5 Turbo outperformed the more powerful engines, achieving around 39.9 US mpg on the combined cycle. Reliability reports suggested that the 1.5 Turbo engine was generally reliable, but regular maintenance was essential to prevent issues.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient family hatchback. The B15XFL engine has proven to be relatively durable, although it’s important to check for regular maintenance records. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the direct injection system. Overall, the Insignia Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo represents a well-rounded and practical vehicle that offers a good balance of comfort, economy, and features.
