The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTI 170 hp All-Wheel Drive represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size offering, produced from July 2015 to January 2017. Positioned as a premium trim within the Insignia Sedan range, this variant aimed to provide a blend of performance, efficiency, and all-weather capability. It built upon the foundation of the original Insignia A, which debuted in 2008, and benefited from the styling and technological updates introduced with the 2013 facelift. The Insignia, in general, was Opel’s flagship model intended to compete with established players like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Skoda Superb, offering a more stylish and feature-rich alternative within the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (170 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production | July, 2015 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 144 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 233.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 86.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B20DTH |
| 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 | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.9 l (5.18 US qt | 4.31 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1713 kg (3776.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 587 kg (1294.11 lbs.) |
| 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) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| 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 | 11.40 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Insignia 2.0 CDTI AWD lies the B20DTH engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of the GM/Opel family of common-rail direct injection diesels. The B20DTH utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The common-rail direct injection system, operating at very high pressures, ensures precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The engine produces 170 horsepower at 3750 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This broad torque curve is a hallmark of modern diesel engines, providing strong pulling power across a wide range of engine speeds. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard for this variant, offering drivers full control over gear selection.
Driving Characteristics
The 170 hp 2.0 CDTI AWD Insignia Sedan delivers a composed and capable driving experience. While not a sports sedan, the engine’s torque output provides brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 9.4 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system enhances traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making it a confident performer year-round. The manual transmission, while engaging, has a slightly longer throw compared to some competitors. Compared to the base 1.6-liter petrol engine, the 2.0 CDTI offers significantly more torque and a more relaxed cruising experience. It also provides better fuel economy than the higher-output 2.0-liter petrol variants. The AWD system adds weight, slightly impacting handling agility compared to front-wheel-drive Insignias, but the added stability is a worthwhile trade-off for many drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 CDTI AWD trim typically included a generous level of standard equipment. Features commonly found in this variant include automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and front fog lights. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior materials were generally of good quality, providing a comfortable and refined cabin environment. The dashboard layout was functional and ergonomically designed, with controls logically placed for ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sedan’s chassis is comprised of a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The AWD system utilizes a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic brakeforce distribution. The steering is electrically assisted, providing a light 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 AWD was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong diesel engine. The all-wheel-drive system was seen as a valuable asset, particularly in regions with inclement weather. Compared to rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a more distinctive styling and a slightly more affordable price point. However, some critics noted that the interior design, while functional, lacked the premium feel of some competitors. Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined figures around 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg), making it an economical choice for long-distance driving.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI AWD has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain in the used car market. The B20DTH engine is known for its durability, provided it has been properly maintained. Common issues include diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, particularly on vehicles primarily used for short trips, and occasional turbocharger wear. Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are essential for maintaining the engine’s longevity. Today, the Insignia 2.0 CDTI AWD represents a practical and affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient mid-size sedan with all-weather capability. Its blend of performance, economy, and practicality continues to make it a popular choice in the used car market.
