The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (A) 2.0 Turbo 4×4 Automatic, produced from July 2011 to June 2013, represented a significant offering in the European D-segment station wagon market. Part of the second-generation Insignia (A) range, this variant combined a potent turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission, aiming to deliver a blend of performance, practicality, and all-weather capability. It sat towards the upper end of the Insignia Sports Tourer lineup, positioned as a premium option for buyers seeking a more engaging driving experience than the lower-powered engine choices.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 Turbo (250 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2011 |
| End of production | June, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 199 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 241 km/h (149.75 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 143.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm, 229.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 250 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 125.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2400-3600 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2400-3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20NFT |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1743 kg (3842.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400 kg (5291.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 657 kg (1448.44 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 | 1858 mm (73.15 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 (turning diameter) | 10.8 m (35.43 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the A20NFT 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine, a member of Opel’s family of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, features a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Direct injection allows for precise fuel delivery, optimizing combustion and reducing emissions. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 5300 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 2400 and 3600 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to strong acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, specifically tuned to handle the engine’s output and provide smooth shifts. The transmission features adaptive shift patterns, adjusting to the driver’s style and road conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 Turbo 4×4 Automatic Insignia Sports Tourer delivers a confident and composed driving experience. The all-wheel-drive system, utilizing a multi-plate clutch, provides excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing stability and cornering grip. While not a sports car, the 250 hp engine provides brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.4 seconds – making overtaking maneuvers easy. The automatic transmission, while generally smooth, can sometimes feel a bit hesitant during quick downshifts. Compared to the base 1.6L engine, this variant offers a significant performance upgrade. It also provides a more refined experience than the diesel options, lacking the characteristic diesel clatter. However, it doesn’t quite match the responsiveness of the manual transmission versions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 Turbo 4×4 Automatic typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a higher-spec trim. Standard features often included dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a suite of safety features like ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Optional extras could include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and premium audio systems. The interior design was generally modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer’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 4×4 models generally featured slightly stiffer suspension components compared to front-wheel-drive variants to manage the increased weight and power. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Insignia Sports Tourer, in general, was well-received by automotive critics for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and attractive styling. The 2.0 Turbo 4×4 Automatic variant was praised for its strong performance and all-weather capability. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could be slow to respond at times. Fuel economy, while respectable for a vehicle of this size and performance, was not class-leading. Compared to rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, the Insignia offered a distinctive design and a generous level of standard equipment.
Legacy
The A20NFT engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding oil changes and timing chain inspection. The six-speed automatic transmission is also relatively robust, but can be susceptible to wear and tear with high mileage. Today, the Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 Turbo 4×4 Automatic represents a compelling value proposition on the used car market, offering a spacious, well-equipped, and capable station wagon at an affordable price. Its combination of performance, practicality, and all-wheel drive continues to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile family vehicle.
