The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTI (130 hp) Ecotec represents a mid-cycle refresh of Opel’s flagship D-segment sedan. Introduced in July 2013 and continuing through June 2015, this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance for the European market. It sat within the broader Insignia A range, which included hatchback and estate (Sports Tourer) body styles, as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engine options. This specific 2.0 CDTI model was positioned as a mainstream offering, appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable and economical family car with a degree of sophistication. It was a key 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) | 2.0 CDTI (130 Hp) Ecotec |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 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.) |
| 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) |
| 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| 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
The heart of the Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the A20DT engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel/Vauxhall’s Ecotec family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures 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 single overhead camshaft. The 130 hp output is achieved at 4000 rpm, while peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) is available from 1750 to 2500 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to good drivability in everyday situations. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 130 hp 2.0 CDTI with the 6-speed manual transmission delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.5 seconds, which is adequate for most driving scenarios but doesn’t offer particularly sporty performance. The engine’s strong low-end torque makes it easy to pull away from a standstill and provides sufficient power for overtaking on the highway. The gear ratios are well-chosen to maximize fuel efficiency and keep the engine within its optimal operating range. Compared to the more powerful 160 hp or 170 hp versions of the 2.0 CDTI, this variant feels less urgent, but it offers significantly better fuel economy. It also feels more responsive than the base 1.6L petrol engine. The manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic, offering greater control over gear selection.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia 2.0 CDTI (130 hp) typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system with auxiliary input, and alloy wheels. Safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels, such as SE or Elite, added features like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, resulting in a smooth and refined ride quality. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are typically solid discs on higher trim levels, but drums on the base models. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, offering a reasonably direct and responsive feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI (130 hp) was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel a little underpowered, especially when fully loaded. Compared to the higher-output diesel variants, this model offered a more affordable entry point into the Insignia range, but at the expense of performance. Its fuel economy of around 52.3 US mpg combined was a significant selling point, making it an attractive option for drivers who prioritize efficiency. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Legacy
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI (130 hp) remains a relatively common sight on European roads today. The A20DT engine is known for its durability and longevity, provided it has been properly maintained. Regular servicing, including oil changes and DPF regeneration, is crucial to ensure its continued reliability. In the used car market, this variant represents a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and economical family car at an affordable price. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability make it a sensible choice for many buyers.
