The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 1.4 LPG (140 hp) Turbo Ecotec represents a unique offering within the broader Insignia range, produced from July 2013 to January 2017. This variant aimed to provide a balance between fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and affordability in the European market. Positioned as a mid-range option, it catered to buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped family sedan with the added benefit of alternative fuel capability through its dedicated LPG system. The facelifted Insignia A, introduced in 2013, brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the original model launched in 2008, solidifying its position as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 LPG (140 Hp) Turbo Ecotec |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (LPG) | 10.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (LPG) | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 7.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 124 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1850-4900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1015 l (35.84 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 41 l (10.83 US gal | 9.02 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 | ICE drives front wheels |
| 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Insignia 1.4 LPG lies the B14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘Ecotec’ family, known for its focus on efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a single turbocharger to deliver 140 horsepower and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The key differentiating factor is the factory-installed LPG conversion. This system allows the engine to run on either petrol or liquefied petroleum gas, offering potential cost savings and reduced environmental impact. The LPG system typically includes a dedicated fuel tank, a vaporiser to convert the liquid LPG into a gaseous state, and an ECU to manage the fuel switching process. The engine’s 6-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 LPG variant of the Insignia offered a comfortable, rather than sporty, driving experience. With 140 hp, acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.3 seconds, and top speed was around 121 mph. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 Turbo or 2.0 Turbo petrol versions, the 1.4 LPG felt noticeably less responsive, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the turbocharger did provide a useful boost in mid-range power. The manual transmission, while precise, had relatively long gearing, prioritizing fuel economy over outright performance. On LPG, the engine’s power output might experience a slight reduction compared to petrol, but the lower fuel cost often offset this. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well, making it a suitable long-distance cruiser.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia 1.4 LPG typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as ‘SE’ or ‘Elite’, added features like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio systems. The interior design was generally modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The chassis was designed to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system, offering reasonable precision and feedback.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 1.4 LPG was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical family car. The LPG conversion was seen as a significant benefit, particularly in countries with high petrol prices. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its more powerful counterparts. Compared to the petrol-only versions, the LPG variant offered similar levels of equipment and comfort at a potentially lower overall cost of ownership. Fuel economy was competitive, especially when running on LPG. Reliability was generally good, although the LPG system required periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia 1.4 LPG (140 hp) Turbo Ecotec remains a viable option in the used car market. The B14NET engine is known for its relative reliability, although regular maintenance is crucial. The LPG system, if properly maintained, can provide years of trouble-free service. Today, these Insignias represent a cost-effective way to acquire a spacious and well-equipped family sedan, particularly for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and environmental considerations. The availability of affordable LPG fuel continues to make this variant an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
