The Opel Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTI, producing 195 horsepower with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, represented a significant offering in Opel’s mid-size sedan lineup. Introduced as part of the facelift for the first-generation Insignia (launched in 2008), this variant was produced from 2013 until June 2015. It aimed to provide a blend of performance, efficiency, and all-weather capability, appealing to buyers seeking a more refined and capable family sedan. The Insignia, in general, was Opel’s flagship model, intended to elevate the brand’s image and compete with established players like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, primarily in the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sedan (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (195 Hp) AWD Ecotec Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | June, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 162 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 195 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTR |
| 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.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
INTRODUCTION
The 2013 facelift of the Opel Insignia Sedan brought a refreshed look and updated technology to the model range. The 2.0 CDTI 195 hp AWD Automatic variant occupied a mid-to-upper position within the Insignia lineup. It was positioned above the lower-powered diesel options and the base petrol engines, offering a compelling combination of performance and practicality for buyers willing to spend a bit more. Built on the GM Delta II platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), the Insignia aimed to provide a more premium experience than many of its competitors, focusing on comfort, technology, and a sophisticated driving experience.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Insignia 2.0 CDTI was the A20DTR engine, a 1.956-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilized a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhanced performance, boosting power output to 195 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The engine featured four valves per cylinder and was designed to meet Euro 5 emission standards, incorporating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions. The automatic transmission was a six-speed unit, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission was specifically tuned to work with the engine’s torque characteristics, offering a balance between responsiveness and fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 195 hp 2.0 CDTI automatic powertrain delivered a respectable driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 9 seconds, making it adequately quick for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, offering a secure and confident feel. Compared to the lower-powered 1.8L petrol or 1.3 CDTI diesel variants, the 2.0 CDTI offered significantly more power and torque, resulting in a more relaxed and effortless driving experience, especially when fully loaded or on inclines. While not as sporty as the higher-performance Insignia OPC, the 2.0 CDTI provided a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick-shifting, and lacked the engagement of a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position in the mid-range of the lineup. Standard features often included air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo system, power windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims, upgrading to leather on higher-specification models. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia’s chassis was tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining decent handling characteristics. The front suspension utilized MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link setup. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both axles to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking systems varied depending on the trim level, with lower trims often featuring disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Higher trims typically had disc brakes on all four wheels. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The all-wheel-drive system contributed to improved stability and handling, particularly on slippery surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined engine. The all-wheel-drive system was also a significant selling point, particularly in regions with harsh winters. Compared to its rivals, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a compelling value proposition, often undercutting its competitors on price while offering a similar level of equipment. Fuel economy was competitive, with combined figures around 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the DPF system, a common problem with modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The A20DTR engine, while requiring regular maintenance (particularly regarding the DPF), is generally considered robust. The automatic transmission has also proven to be dependable. Today, these Insignias represent a good value for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped family sedan. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the vehicle 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 mid-size sedan segment.
