The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (A, facelift 2013) 1.6 CDTI, producing 136 horsepower, was a key variant in Opel’s lineup from July 2015 to January 2017. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option within the Insignia range, it catered to buyers seeking a spacious station wagon with reasonable performance and lower running costs. This model represented a mid-cycle refresh of the original Insignia A, incorporating styling updates and revised engine options. It primarily targeted the European market, where the station wagon body style remains highly popular, offering a compelling alternative to more performance-focused or premium trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (A, facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CDTI (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2015 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.1-4.9 l/100 km (46.1 – 48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9-3.7 l/100 km (60.3 – 63.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3-4.1 l/100 km (54.7 – 57.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 114-109 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| 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 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.7 mm (3.14 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.1 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1589 kg (3503.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2250 kg (4960.4 lbs.) |
| Max load | 661 kg (1457.26 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) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| 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 | 11.40 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI is the B16DTH engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Opel’s ‘Whisper Diesel’ family, known for its focus on refinement and fuel efficiency. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine also features a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output and torque. The B16DTH produces 136 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2000-2250 rpm. This torque band provides good low-end responsiveness, making it suitable for everyday driving and hauling loads. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The standard transmission for this variant was a six-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic transmission was also available as an option.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CDTI 136 hp Insignia Sports Tourer offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. While not a performance-oriented model, the engine provided adequate power for most driving situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.8 seconds, and top speed was limited to 190 km/h (118 mph). The generous torque output meant that overtaking maneuvers were manageable, although drivers would need to downshift for quicker responses. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 CDTI variants, the 1.6 CDTI felt less urgent, but it compensated with significantly improved fuel economy. The manual transmission offered precise shifts, while the optional automatic provided smooth gear changes. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. The steering was light and accurate, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI typically came with a respectable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as SE Nav or Elite, added features like satellite navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a rear parking sensor system. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, with clear instrumentation and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer featured a front-wheel-drive layout with independent suspension at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking. The chassis was designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, offering a stable and predictable ride. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and comfortable ride. It was seen as a practical and sensible choice for families and individuals who needed a versatile vehicle. Compared to the more powerful Insignia variants, the 1.6 CDTI offered lower running costs but sacrificed some performance. It competed with other mid-size station wagons such as the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Estate, and Peugeot 508 SW. The Insignia often stood out for its stylish design and generous standard equipment.
Legacy
The B16DTH engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with the DPF system, particularly on vehicles that primarily undertake short journeys. Regular servicing and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial for maintaining the engine’s longevity. In the used car market, the Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI represents a good value proposition, offering a spacious and well-equipped station wagon at an affordable price. Its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride continue to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and economical vehicle.
