The Opel Insignia Hatchback (A, facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTI (163 Hp) Ecotec Automatic represents a mid-cycle refresh of Opel’s flagship D-segment offering. Introduced in July 2013 and continuing through June 2015, this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance in the European market. Positioned as a comfortable and practical family vehicle, the 2.0 CDTI Automatic served as a step up from the base petrol engines, offering diesel economy and the convenience of an automatic transmission. It sat within the Insignia range between the lower-powered diesel options and the more performance-oriented petrol variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Hatchback (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (163 Hp) Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 148 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1956 cm3 (119.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1470 l (51.91 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4842 mm (190.63 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
INTRODUCTION
The Opel Insignia, launched in 2008, was designed to elevate Opel’s image and compete with established players in the D-segment like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508. The facelifted version in 2013 brought revised styling, improved technology, and refined engine options. The 2.0 CDTI 163 hp Automatic variant was a key part of this update, offering a blend of efficiency and convenience for buyers prioritizing comfort and practicality. Built on the GM Delta II platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), the Insignia aimed to provide a spacious and well-equipped vehicle at a competitive price point.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic lies the A20DTH engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance, boosting power and torque. The engine produces 163 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This torque band provides good mid-range acceleration, making it suitable for everyday driving and overtaking. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and enhancing driving comfort. This transmission wasn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing smooth operation over rapid shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 CDTI Automatic Insignia delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not a performance-focused model, the 163 hp engine provides adequate power for most driving situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 9.1 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 130.49 mph. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving style, particularly in urban environments. Compared to the manual version of the same engine, the automatic offers less driver involvement but greater convenience. Against higher-output versions like the 2.0 BiTurbo, the 163 hp model feels noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. However, the fuel economy advantage of the lower-powered engine is significant.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic typically came well-equipped, even in base trim levels. Standard features often included air conditioning, electric windows, a CD/radio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as SE and Elite, added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims, upgrading to leather on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was functional and modern, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia’s chassis is comprised of a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The 2.0 CDTI Automatic models generally featured disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. Rear drum brakes were sometimes found on lower trim levels. 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 sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the handling wasn’t as engaging as some of its rivals. Compared to the petrol versions, the diesel offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for high-mileage drivers. Against the Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia often offered more value for money, while the Ford Mondeo provided a more dynamic driving experience. The 1.8L petrol automatic was often seen as a cheaper alternative, but lacked the torque and fuel efficiency of the diesel.
Legacy
The A20DTH engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Proper servicing and the use of high-quality oil are crucial for long-term reliability. In the used car market, the Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic remains a popular choice due to its affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure the vehicle has been well-maintained. The Insignia, in general, helped to solidify Opel’s position as a major player in the European D-segment, and the 2.0 CDTI Automatic variant played a significant role in its success.
