Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (110 Hp) Ecotec start/stop |
| Start of production | July, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp, 71.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTL |
| 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.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| 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) |
| Kerb Weight | 1538 kg (3390.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2140 kg (4717.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 602 kg (1327.18 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1015 l (35.84 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1858 mm (73.15 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1590 mm (62.6 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/60 R 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Opel Insignia Sedan (A) 2.0 CDTI (110 hp) Ecotec start/stop, produced from July 2011 to June 2013, represented an entry-level diesel offering within the first generation (A) Insignia sedan lineup. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, it aimed to broaden the Insignia’s appeal to a wider range of buyers in the European market. The Insignia itself was Opel’s flagship model, intended to compete with established players like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508, offering a more stylish and technologically advanced alternative.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the A20DTL engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine belongs to Opel’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and reduced emissions. The A20DTL utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1. The Start/Stop system, a key feature of this model, automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights) to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This transmission was chosen to maximize fuel economy and provide a more engaging driving experience compared to an automatic option.
Driving Characteristics
The 110 hp output and 260 Nm of torque provide adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.5 seconds, and the top speed is 190 km/h (118 mph). The engine delivers its peak torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm, making it reasonably responsive in everyday driving situations. Compared to the more powerful 160 hp or 195 hp versions of the 2.0 CDTI, this variant feels noticeably slower, particularly when overtaking or climbing hills. The six-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering precise shifts and allowing the driver to keep the engine in its optimal power band. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel slightly strained at higher speeds. However, for drivers prioritizing economy and relaxed cruising, this setup provides a comfortable and efficient driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 CDTI (110 hp) variant typically served as the entry point into the Insignia sedan range. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system, and basic safety features like 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 alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, parking sensors, and upgraded interior trim materials. The trim level often dictated the availability of these options, with higher trims offering more standard features and a wider range of customization possibilities.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan (A) features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The 110 hp variant typically used a slightly softer suspension setup compared to the higher-powered models to prioritize comfort. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0 CDTI (110 hp) variant was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical option. It was praised for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but criticized for its relatively modest performance. Compared to the more powerful diesel variants, it offered a lower purchase price but sacrificed some driving excitement. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a more stylish design and a competitive level of equipment. However, some reviewers noted that the interior quality wasn’t quite on par with its German rivals.
Legacy
The A20DTL engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), particularly on vehicles that primarily undertake short journeys. In the used car market, the 2.0 CDTI (110 hp) Insignia sedan represents an affordable and economical option for buyers seeking a spacious and comfortable family car. Its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs make it an attractive proposition for those prioritizing practicality over performance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with diesel engines, particularly the DPF and turbocharger.
