The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 1.6 Turbo Ecotec start/stop represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size offering, launched in July 2013 and continuing through January 2017. This variant occupied a key position within the Insignia lineup, aiming to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance. It was part of the A generation facelift, building upon the original Insignia introduced in 2008, and shared its platform (the GM Epsilon II) with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-5. The 1.6L Turbo Ecotec was positioned as a more economical alternative to the larger displacement engines available, targeting buyers prioritizing running costs without sacrificing all driving enjoyment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (170 Hp) Turbo Ecotec start/stop |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1650-4250 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A16XHT, B16SHL |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 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 | 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 | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the 1.6-liter (1598cc) turbocharged four-cylinder engine, designated as either A16XHT or B16SHL depending on the specific production run. This engine belongs to Opel’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. The engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower at 4250 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1650 rpm, sustaining through 4250 rpm. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing breathing and contributing to its power delivery. The inclusion of a Start/Stop system further enhances fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6L Turbo Ecotec paired with a six-speed manual transmission delivers a balanced driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.7 seconds, and 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, making it adequately quick for everyday driving. While not as exhilarating as the higher-powered 2.0L Turbo or V6 options, the 1.6L provides sufficient power for overtaking and highway cruising. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in mid-range acceleration, but the engine can feel slightly strained at higher RPMs. The six-speed manual gearbox offers precise shifts, and the gear ratios are well-matched to the engine’s torque curve. Compared to the automatic transmission options available on other Insignia models, the manual provides a more engaging driving experience and slightly improved fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6L Turbo Ecotec variant typically came equipped as a mid-range trim level, offering a good balance of features and affordability. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo system, power windows and mirrors, and central locking. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors, and heated seats. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with clear instrumentation and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan’s chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, but still offered decent body control in corners. Braking systems varied depending on the specific trim level, with lower trims featuring disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear, while higher trims offered all-around disc brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard across all models. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6L Turbo Ecotec Insignia Sedan was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option. It offered a compelling alternative to competitors like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508. Fuel economy figures of around 39.9 US mpg combined were competitive for its class. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to the 2.0L Turbo models, the 1.6L offered lower running costs but sacrificed some performance. Reliability was generally good, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 1.6 Turbo Ecotec start/stop has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The 1.6L Turbo Ecotec engine, while not known for being exceptionally powerful, has demonstrated good longevity when properly maintained. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, timing chain inspection (as some early versions had issues), and turbocharger health checks. Today, these Insignias represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped mid-size sedan.
