The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (A) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, producing 195 horsepower, was a variant of the first-generation Insignia (A) model, manufactured between December 2011 and June 2013. Positioned as a premium offering within the Sports Tourer (wagon) body style, it aimed to provide a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality for European buyers. This model represented Opel’s attempt to compete in the increasingly popular segment of sporty, yet economical, family vehicles. It was built on the GM Delta II platform, shared with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI (195 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | December, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 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 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm, 266.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 195 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 99.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750 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 | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| 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) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 517 kg (1139.79 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1530 l (54.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4908 mm (193.23 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Height | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1587 mm (62.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant was the A20DTR, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilized a sophisticated bi-turbocharger setup – a smaller turbo for quick spool-up and reduced turbo lag at low engine speeds, coupled with a larger turbo for increased power at higher RPMs. The engine employed a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The inclusion of an intercooler helped to cool the compressed intake air, further increasing power and efficiency. The 6-speed manual transmission was the only transmission option available with this engine configuration.
Driving Characteristics
The 195 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine delivered respectable performance for a family wagon. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) took approximately 8.9 seconds, and it achieved a top speed of 139.81 mph (225 km/h). While not a sports car, the engine provided ample power for overtaking and comfortable highway cruising. The manual transmission allowed for driver engagement, but the gear ratios were tuned more for fuel economy than outright acceleration. Compared to the lower-powered 1.8L gasoline versions, the BiTurbo CDTI offered significantly more torque and a broader powerband. However, it didn’t quite match the performance of the higher-end Insignia variants equipped with the 2.8L V6 engine.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI typically came with a generous level of standard equipment. This included features like air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. Optional extras included parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system. The interior generally featured a dark color scheme with comfortable seating and a functional dashboard layout.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, but it still offered decent body control in corners. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel-efficient engine. The bi-turbo diesel engine was considered a strong point, offering a good compromise between performance and economy. Compared to other diesel-powered wagons in its class, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a competitive package. However, some critics noted that the interior materials weren’t quite as premium as those found in some of its rivals. Fuel economy was a strong suit, averaging around 39.2 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The A20DTR engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and turbochargers. Proper oil changes and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial for long-term reliability. Today, used examples of the Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI can be found at relatively affordable prices. They represent a good value for buyers looking for a spacious, practical, and reasonably efficient wagon. The Insignia helped establish Opel as a competitor in the mid-size family car segment, and the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI variant remains a popular choice among those seeking a blend of performance and economy.
