The Opel Insignia Grand Sport (B) 1.6 CDTI Automatic, produced from September 2017 to April 2018, represented a key offering in Opel’s mid-size segment. Positioned as a practical and efficient option within the broader Insignia B range, this variant aimed to provide a balance between fuel economy, comfortable driving, and reasonable performance. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the Insignia competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508. This model year marked a significant refresh for the Insignia, moving towards a more sculpted and modern design language.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Grand Sport (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CDTI (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2017 |
| End of production | April, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 134 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 203 km/h (126.14 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.7 mm (3.14 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.1 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1447 kg (3190.09 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2095 kg (4618.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 648 kg (1428.6 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%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 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 | 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, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7 J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the B16DTH, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘Whisper Diesel’ family, known for its focus on refinement and fuel efficiency. The B16DTH utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine features a single turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and reduce turbo lag. The valvetrain employs a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) configuration with four valves per cylinder, contributing to efficient gas exchange. Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth shifting and comfortable cruising. This transmission isn’t known for particularly sporty performance, prioritizing fuel economy and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 136 horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 1.6 CDTI Automatic offered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.4 seconds, making it suitable for everyday driving and highway cruising. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter diesel variants, this engine lacked the punch for spirited driving. However, it excelled in fuel economy, consistently achieving combined figures around 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg). The gear ratios were tuned for efficiency, with taller gearing in higher gears to minimize engine speed at cruising speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CDTI Automatic 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 ‘Sport’ or ‘Elite’, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics.
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 electrically assisted, offering a light and precise feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort rather than outright sportiness, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Insignia 1.6 CDTI Automatic for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers found the engine to be underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.6 CDTI offered a more affordable entry point into the Insignia range, but at the expense of performance. The 1.6 CDTI’s fuel economy was competitive with other diesel engines in its class, and its reliability proved to be generally good, although some owners reported issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, a common concern with modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Grand Sport (B) 1.6 CDTI Automatic remains a relatively common sight on European roads. The B16DTH engine, while not known for being a powerhouse, has proven to be reasonably durable with proper maintenance. The automatic transmission, while not the most responsive, is generally reliable. In the used car market, this variant represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient family car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the vehicle has been regularly serviced.
