The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (B) 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo, producing 140 horsepower, was a key variant within the second generation of Opel’s flagship D-segment vehicle. Introduced in June 2017 and remaining in production until June 2018, this model offered a balance between fuel efficiency and practicality, aimed at families and drivers prioritizing comfort over outright performance. It occupied a mid-range position in the Insignia B lineup, slotting below the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engines and above the base diesel options. The Sports Tourer body style, a station wagon or estate, was particularly popular in European markets where cargo space and versatility were highly valued.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2017 |
| End of production | June, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 132 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm, 177.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 94 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000-4100 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B15XFL |
| Engine displacement | 1490 cm3 (90.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.6 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1412 kg (3112.93 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2080 kg (4585.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 668 kg (1472.69 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1665 l (58.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 730 kg (1609.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4986 mm (196.3 in.) |
| Width | 1863 mm (73.35 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1941 mm (76.42 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2093 mm (82.4 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2829 mm (111.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1607 mm (63.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Front overhang | 990 mm (38.98 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1167 mm (45.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.74 m (38.52 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7 J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the B15XFL 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is part of Opel’s EcoTEC family, designed for efficiency and reduced emissions. It features direct fuel injection, a technology that precisely meters fuel into the combustion chamber for improved combustion and power delivery. The engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger with intercooling to boost power output. The valvetrain employs a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) configuration with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 140 horsepower and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque are delivered between 2000 and 4100 rpm, providing a usable powerband for everyday driving. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this trim level.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo with the manual transmission delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 9.7 seconds, and top speed is rated at 130.49 mph. While not a performance-oriented setup, the engine provides adequate power for highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers. The manual gearbox offers precise shifts, and the relatively low weight of the engine contributes to balanced handling. Compared to the higher-output 2.0-liter turbo models, this variant feels less eager to accelerate, but it offers significantly better fuel economy. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency, prioritizing fuel savings over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features including ABS, stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered options like leather upholstery, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with plastic trim accents. The dashboard layout was functional and modern, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer (B) utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and responsive handling. The rear suspension employs a multi-link system, further enhancing ride quality and stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance in emergency situations. The electric power steering offers a light and precise feel, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo variant was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option within the Insignia lineup. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reasonable running costs. Compared to the 2.0-liter turbo models, it offered a more affordable entry point into the Insignia range, albeit with a noticeable reduction in performance. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with combined figures around 40.6 US mpg. Reliability reports suggest that the B15XFL engine is generally robust, although regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues.
Legacy
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (B) 1.5 EcoTEC Turbo remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon. The B15XFL engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although potential buyers should be aware of the importance of regular oil changes and maintenance. The combination of practicality, comfort, and affordability has ensured that this variant continues to hold its value and appeal to a wide range of drivers.
