The Opel Insignia Sedan (A) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, producing 195 horsepower, was a significant offering in the mid-size sedan segment when it debuted in December 2011, continuing through June 2013. Positioned as a higher-performance variant within the Insignia A sedan range, it aimed to provide a blend of fuel efficiency and spirited driving. This model represented Opel’s attempt to capture a broader market share by offering a diesel engine with substantial power output, appealing to drivers seeking both economy and performance. It was built on the GM Delta II platform, shared with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI (195 Hp) |
| Start of production | December, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 229 km/h (142.29 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm, 266.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 195 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 99.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTR |
| 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 | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| 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) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 517 kg (1139.79 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1010 l (35.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI is the A20DTR engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a sophisticated common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The “BiTurbo” designation refers to the use of two turbochargers – a smaller, quicker-spooling turbo for low-end response and a larger turbo for high-end power. An intercooler is employed to cool the compressed intake air, increasing its density and further enhancing performance. The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, chosen for its balance of efficiency and driver engagement. The engine’s design prioritized torque delivery, making it well-suited for relaxed highway cruising and confident overtaking.
Driving Characteristics
The 195 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine translated into brisk acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint took approximately 8.5 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 142 mph. Compared to the base 1.6L petrol engine, the BiTurbo diesel offered significantly more power and torque, resulting in a more responsive and capable driving experience. While not as sporty as the V6 models, the 2.0 BiTurbo provided a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, and the turbochargers minimized turbo lag, providing a relatively linear power delivery. The gear ratios were tuned for both fuel efficiency and acceleration, with a relatively long sixth gear for highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI trim typically included a generous level of standard equipment. Features commonly found on this variant included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as SE and Elite, added features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a navigation system, and advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and parking sensors. The interior design was generally modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan (A) featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI models typically came equipped with ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance 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 providing a balance between comfort and handling, making the car suitable for both everyday driving and longer journeys.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its strong performance, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted that the steering could feel a bit numb and that the interior materials weren’t quite as premium as those found in some of its competitors. Compared to the lower-powered petrol engines, the BiTurbo diesel offered a significant performance upgrade. Compared to the V6 models, it provided a more economical option without sacrificing too much in terms of driving enjoyment. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the car achieving around 50 mpg on the combined cycle.
Legacy
The A20DTR engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and turbochargers. Proper servicing and the use of high-quality oil are crucial for ensuring long-term reliability. Today, used examples of the Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI can be found at relatively affordable prices. They represent a good value for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and reasonably powerful sedan with good fuel economy. The Insignia, in general, helped to establish Opel as a more competitive player in the mid-size segment, and the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI variant remains a popular choice among those looking for a diesel-powered sedan with a bit of extra performance.
