The Opel Insignia Grand Sport (B) 1.6d, producing 136 horsepower, was a mainstream variant of Opel’s flagship D-segment hatchback, manufactured between April 2018 and February 2020. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option within the Insignia range, it aimed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and comfort over outright performance. This model represented a key offering in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508. It was built on the GM/Opel’s Epsilon II platform, also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform, which emphasized weight reduction and improved dynamics compared to its predecessor.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Grand Sport (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6d (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2018 |
| End of production | February, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.7-5.8 l/100 km (41.3 – 40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.0-4.2 l/100 km (58.8 – 56 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.6-4.8 l/100 km (51.1 – 49 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 121-126 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 211 km/h (131.11 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D16DTH |
| 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 | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| 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 | 1428 kg (3148.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 642 kg (1415.37 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) |
| AdBlue tank | 15 l (3.96 US gal | 3.3 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 | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| 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; 215/55 R17; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 17; 8.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Insignia Grand Sport 1.6d utilized Opel’s D16DTH engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘Whisper Diesel’ family, known for its focus on noise reduction and efficiency. The D16DTH features direct fuel injection, operating at a high compression ratio of 16:1 to maximize combustion efficiency. A single turbocharger with an intercooler provides forced induction, boosting power and torque. The engine’s output of 136 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2000-2250 rpm was considered adequate for comfortable cruising and everyday driving. 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 1.6d was primarily offered with the manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6d-equipped Insignia Grand Sport offered a balanced driving experience, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over sporty performance. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 10.5 seconds, which was noticeably slower than the more powerful petrol or diesel variants. The six-speed manual transmission provided reasonable control, but the engine’s relatively narrow power band meant frequent gear changes were necessary to maintain momentum, especially when overtaking. The gear ratios were tuned for efficiency, resulting in a relaxed cruising experience on the highway. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road well, but didn’t offer the same level of body control as the sportier Insignia trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6d variant typically came in lower to mid-range trim levels, such as ‘Design’ or ‘Edition’. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features including ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Optional extras included navigation, leather upholstery, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with higher trims offering partial leather options. The dashboard layout was functional and modern, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Grand Sport featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance of comfort and handling. The 1.6d models typically used disc brakes on all four wheels, offering adequate stopping power for everyday driving. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension setup was generally softer than that of the higher-performance Insignia variants, prioritizing ride comfort over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Grand Sport 1.6d was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option within the D-segment. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and competitive fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its more powerful counterparts, and the manual transmission could feel somewhat clunky. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.6d offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance. Against petrol-powered rivals, it provided superior fuel economy but a less engaging driving experience. The 1.6d appealed to buyers seeking a comfortable and economical family car, rather than a performance-oriented vehicle.
Legacy
The D16DTH engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly. Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and DPF regeneration, is crucial for long-term reliability. On the used car market, the Insignia Grand Sport 1.6d represents a relatively affordable entry point into the D-segment, offering good value for money. Its fuel efficiency and practicality continue to make it an attractive option for buyers seeking a spacious and economical family hatchback. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential DPF issues and ensure the vehicle has been well-maintained.
