The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTI (163 hp) Ecotec Automatic 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, targeting buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped family car. 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. The facelift brought styling updates, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology compared to the original Insignia launched in 2008, solidifying its position as a key competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 508 in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (163 Hp) Ecotec Automatic |
| 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) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 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) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 148 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 83.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTH |
| 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 | 10.9 m (35.76 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, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
INTRODUCTION
The 2013 facelift of the Opel Insignia Sedan, specifically the 2.0 CDTI 163 hp Ecotec Automatic, was positioned as a practical and refined choice within the Insignia lineup. Built on the GM’s 1HX0/A3 platform (shared with the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3), this variant aimed to appeal to drivers prioritizing comfort, fuel economy, and ease of use. The automatic transmission made it particularly attractive to those seeking a less engaging, but more convenient, driving experience. It represented a significant step up from the base models, offering a more powerful engine and a smoother transmission, while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance petrol variants or the more expensive trim levels.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Insignia variant lies the A20DTH 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine. This engine is a four-cylinder, inline configuration, utilizing a common rail direct injection system for optimized fuel delivery. The A20DTH is known for its relatively robust construction and widespread use across various Opel and Vauxhall models. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, helps to boost power output and improve efficiency. The 163 hp peak power is achieved at 4000 rpm, while the substantial 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque is available from 1750 to 2500 rpm, providing good low-end and mid-range responsiveness. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while not known for being particularly sporty, provides smooth shifts and contributes to the car’s overall ease of driving. It’s a conventional torque converter automatic, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 163 hp 2.0 CDTI Automatic Insignia delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 9.1 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but doesn’t offer particularly brisk performance. Compared to the manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic results in a slight performance decrease due to transmission losses. The automatic gearbox prioritizes smooth shifts and fuel efficiency, sometimes at the expense of responsiveness. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 BiTurbo petrol engine, the CDTI feels significantly less energetic, but offers considerably better fuel economy. The gear ratios are tuned for relaxed cruising, making it a good long-distance companion. The engine’s torque provides sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers, but requires a degree of planning.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Sedan 2.0 CDTI Automatic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These generally included air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, a CD/radio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as SE or Elite, added features like 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. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base models, upgrading to leather on higher trims. The dashboard layout was generally well-designed and functional, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan’s chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The suspension setup was tuned to prioritize comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride quality. Braking systems varied depending on the trim level. Base models typically featured disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear, while higher trims often included disc brakes all around. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard across the range. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering, although the Insignia is not a particularly sporty handling car.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and comfortable family sedan. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and good level of standard equipment. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the overall driving experience lacked the engagement of some of its rivals. Compared to the petrol-powered Insignias, the diesel offered significantly better fuel economy – around 42 mpg combined – but at the cost of some performance. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a competitive package, often at a slightly lower price point.
Legacy
The A20DTH engine, in general, has proven to be a relatively reliable unit, although like any diesel engine, it’s susceptible to issues related to the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not properly maintained. Regular oil changes and the use of quality diesel fuel are crucial for long-term reliability. The six-speed automatic transmission is also generally reliable, but can require servicing over time. In the used car market, the Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic represents a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and well-equipped car at an affordable price. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the car has been properly maintained. The Insignia, as a whole, helped to elevate Opel’s brand image and establish it as a serious contender in the D-segment.
