The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (A) 2.0 CDTI, producing 130 horsepower, was a key variant in the first generation (A) Insignia lineup, manufactured between February 2009 and June 2013. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with reasonable performance for European drivers seeking a practical and spacious station wagon. This model played a significant role in Opel’s attempt to establish a stronger presence in the competitive D-segment, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The Insignia Sports Tourer, in general, represented Opel’s move towards a more modern and stylish design language, and the 2.0 CDTI 130 hp variant was a popular choice for those prioritizing economy and lower running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (130 Hp) DPF |
| Start of production | February, 2009 |
| 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 | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 186.3 Nm/tonne |
| 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.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, 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 | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2265 kg (4993.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 655 kg (1444.03 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1530-2500 l (54.03 – 88.29 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4830 mm (190.16 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 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 | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the A20DT 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine is a member of Opel’s/Fiat’s family of common rail direct injection diesels. The A20DT utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine employs a single overhead camshaft (OHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The common rail direct injection system, supplied by Bosch, delivers fuel at extremely high pressure, optimizing combustion and reducing emissions. The engine’s 16.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver control. The engine’s torque curve is relatively flat, delivering peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) between 1750 and 2500 rpm, making it reasonably responsive in everyday driving situations.
Driving Characteristics
The 130 hp 2.0 CDTI with a manual transmission offered a comfortable and practical driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 11.6 seconds, which was adequate for most driving scenarios but not particularly sporty. The engine felt most at home during highway cruising, where its torque allowed for relaxed and efficient long-distance travel. Compared to the more powerful 160 hp or 195 hp versions of the 2.0 CDTI, this variant felt noticeably less energetic, especially when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The manual gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, with gear ratios designed to maximize fuel economy and provide sufficient pulling power. The steering was light and precise, making the Insignia easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 CDTI 130 hp variant typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/radio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Edition’ or ‘Sport’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic climate control, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a navigation system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, although leather was available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with clear instrumentation and intuitive controls.
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 suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride quality. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to accommodate the weight of the engine and drivetrain while maintaining a stable and predictable handling balance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI 130 hp was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family car. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and competitive fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the outright performance of its more powerful counterparts. Compared to the 160 hp version, the 130 hp model offered slightly better fuel economy but significantly less performance. The 1.9 CDTI models were also available, offering a different driving experience with a focus on low-end torque. The Insignia Sports Tourer competed directly with models like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 508 SW.
Legacy
The A20DT engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Ensuring the DPF is regularly regenerated is crucial to prevent blockages and costly repairs. The Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTI 130 hp remains a relatively affordable option on the used car market. Its fuel efficiency and practicality continue to appeal to buyers seeking a spacious and economical estate car. While not the most exciting variant in the Insignia lineup, it represents a solid and dependable choice for everyday transportation.
