The Opel Insignia Grand Sport (B) 1.6d EcoTec (110 hp) was a front-wheel-drive hatchback produced between April 2018 and May 2019. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the second generation Insignia B range (launched in 2017), it aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency and practicality for family buyers. The Grand Sport body style, characterized by its fastback-inspired roofline, distinguished it from the more traditional notchback Insignia. This variant played a key role in broadening the Insignia’s appeal, offering a more accessible price point compared to higher-powered engine options and trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Grand Sport (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6d EcoTec (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2018 |
| End of production | May, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 116 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13 kg/Hp, 77 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D16DTI |
| 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 |
| 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 | 2035 kg (4486.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 607 kg (1338.21 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 | 720 kg (1587.33 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 | 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 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 1.6d EcoTec engine, designated with the code D16DTI, is a four-cylinder, inline diesel engine displacing 1598cc. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure for improved combustion and reduced emissions. A key feature of this engine was its relatively high compression ratio of 16:1, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The engine produces 110 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm. This engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, transmitting power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was available on other Insignia models, the 1.6d 110 hp version was exclusively offered with a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6d EcoTec 110 hp variant of the Insignia Grand Sport offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.2 seconds, and top speed was limited to 127.38 mph. The engine’s torque peak at 2000 rpm provided adequate pulling power for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers, but it lacked the urgency of the higher-powered engines in the Insignia range. The six-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine, offering smooth gear changes and allowing drivers to keep the engine within its optimal power band. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, this engine felt less refined and had more noticeable engine noise, particularly at higher speeds. The manual transmission also required more driver involvement than the automatic options available on other trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6d EcoTec 110 hp Insignia Grand Sport typically came equipped with a reasonable 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. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat understated, design. Optional extras included features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, and upgraded infotainment systems with navigation. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but this engine was generally positioned as the entry-level or mid-range option.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Grand Sport featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The 1.6d variant typically used disc brakes on all four wheels, offering adequate stopping power for its weight class. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) were standard features, enhancing safety and stability. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6d EcoTec 110 hp Insignia Grand Sport was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family car. However, it was often criticized for its lack of outright performance compared to the more powerful engine options. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined figures of around 53.5 US mpg. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.6d offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance and refinement. The manual transmission, while engaging for some drivers, was seen as a drawback by others who preferred the convenience of an automatic gearbox. The 1.6d was positioned as a competitor to other mainstream family hatchbacks, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat.
Legacy
The 1.6d EcoTec engine proved to be relatively reliable, although, like any diesel engine, it required regular maintenance and the use of high-quality oil. The D16DTI engine is known for its durability, but potential owners should be aware of the importance of maintaining the diesel particulate filter (DPF) to prevent clogging. On the used car market, the 1.6d Insignia Grand Sport represents a relatively affordable entry point into the Insignia range. Its fuel efficiency and practicality make it a sensible choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and economical family car. However, potential buyers should be prepared for a less refined driving experience compared to the higher-powered variants.
