The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, specifically the 1.4 LPG (140 hp) Turbo Ecotec variant, was produced from July 2013 to January 2017 as part of the A generation’s facelift. This model represented a practical and fuel-conscious option within the Insignia range, appealing to buyers seeking a spacious station wagon with lower running costs thanks to its ability to run on both gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It occupied a mid-range position in the lineup, offering a balance between performance and economy, slotting below the more powerful gasoline engines and above the base diesel models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 LPG (140 Hp) Turbo Ecotec |
| Start of production | July, 2013 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (LPG) | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5.0 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (LPG) | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 7.9 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 143 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 129 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1850-4900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B14NET |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1530 l (54.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 41 l (10.83 US gal | 9.02 UK gal) |
| Length | 4913 mm (193.43 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1513 mm (59.57 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of this Insignia variant lies the B14NET engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘Ecotec’ family, known for its focus on efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a single turbocharger to deliver 140 horsepower and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, particularly at lower engine speeds, helping to overcome the limitations of the relatively small displacement. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. Crucially, this engine was designed to run on both gasoline and LPG, utilizing a dedicated LPG fuel system installed alongside the standard gasoline system. This dual-fuel capability significantly reduced running costs in regions where LPG was readily available and competitively priced. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which was the only transmission option available for this specific configuration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 LPG Insignia Sports Tourer offered a comfortable and composed driving experience, prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.8 seconds, and top speed was limited to 190 km/h (118 mph). While not particularly sporty, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The turbocharger helped to mitigate turbo lag, delivering a reasonably responsive throttle. The six-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for efficiency or to extract more power when needed. Compared to the 1.6L gasoline or 2.0L diesel variants, the 1.4 LPG offered less overall performance but significantly better fuel economy when running on LPG. The manual transmission, while engaging, lacked the convenience of an automatic found in other Insignia trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 LPG variant typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features, positioning it as a well-rounded mid-range option. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often available as optional packages, added features such as alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, parking sensors, and upgraded interior upholstery. Interior trim was typically cloth, with options for leather available at an extra cost. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, though not particularly luxurious.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer’s chassis was designed to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The front suspension utilized MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link setup. This configuration offered a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The 1.4 LPG variant typically featured ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering was electrically assisted, offering a light and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.4 LPG Insignia Sports Tourer was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical option. Its dual-fuel capability was a major selling point, particularly in countries with favorable LPG policies and infrastructure. Fuel economy was a key strength, with combined fuel consumption figures of around 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) on gasoline and even lower on LPG. Compared to the more powerful gasoline engines, the 1.4 LPG offered lower performance but significantly reduced running costs. Compared to the diesel variants, it offered a smoother and quieter driving experience, albeit with slightly higher fuel consumption on gasoline. Reliability was generally good, with the B14NET engine proving to be a relatively robust unit.
Legacy
The 1.4 LPG Insignia Sports Tourer remains a viable option in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a spacious and economical station wagon. The LPG conversion adds complexity to the engine, requiring periodic maintenance of the LPG system in addition to the standard gasoline engine maintenance. However, the potential fuel savings can offset these additional costs. The B14NET engine has proven to be reasonably reliable, although regular servicing is essential to ensure long-term durability. The Insignia Sports Tourer, in general, established Opel as a strong contender in the European station wagon segment, offering a compelling combination of practicality, comfort, and value.
