The Opel Insignia Sedan (A) 2.0 CDTI 130 hp Automatic, produced from July 2010 to June 2013, represented a key offering in Opel’s mid-size sedan lineup. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and comfortable option, it aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and refined vehicle. This variant was part of the first generation (A) Insignia, built on the GM Epsilon II platform, also known internally as the 1HX0. It served as a bridge between the more performance-oriented trims and the base models, offering a balance of power and economy. The Insignia was Opel’s flagship model, intended to elevate the brand’s image and compete with established players like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (130 Hp) DPF Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2010 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 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) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 204 km/h (126.76 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DT |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1655 kg (3648.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2170 kg (4784.03 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 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.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| 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 CDTI Automatic is the A20DT 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 is employed to boost power output and improve efficiency. The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively smooth operation. The 130 horsepower peak is achieved at 4000 rpm, while the substantial 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque is available from just 1750 rpm, providing good low-end responsiveness. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth shifting and comfortable cruising. This transmission wasn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing fuel economy and ease of use over rapid gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 CDTI Automatic offered a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. While not a performance-focused variant, the 300 Nm of torque provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat sluggish compared to the available manual transmission options. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often operated at lower rpm, which could sometimes result in a slight delay in response when needing to accelerate quickly. Compared to the 160 hp or 195 hp versions of the 2.0 CDTI, this variant offered less outright performance, but it excelled in fuel economy and provided a more forgiving driving experience. The weight of the vehicle (1655 kg) did impact acceleration, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of around 10.6 seconds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 130 hp Automatic Insignia typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and basic safety features like ABS and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels, such as SE or Elite, added features like alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a navigation system, leather seats, a sunroof, and advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was generally functional and well-designed, though some materials felt somewhat budget-oriented.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan (A) featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The 130 hp variant typically used smaller wheels (16 or 17 inch) with tires sized 215/60 R16 or 225/55 R17. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning prioritized comfort over sporty handling, making it a pleasant cruiser.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI 130 hp Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good value for money. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel a bit slow and that the engine lacked the punch of the higher-powered variants. Compared to the 160 hp or 195 hp versions, the 130 hp model offered significantly better fuel economy (around 5.3 l/100 km combined) but at the expense of performance. It was often seen as a good choice for drivers who prioritized economy and comfort over outright speed.
Legacy
The A20DT engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Proper servicing and the use of quality diesel fuel are crucial to prevent DPF issues. The six-speed automatic transmission, while durable, can sometimes exhibit issues with harsh shifting as it ages. Today, the Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. It remains a viable option for buyers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient sedan, provided it has been well-maintained. Its reputation for practicality and reasonable running costs continues to make it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
