The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (B) 1.6d, producing 136 horsepower, was a key variant within the second generation of Opel’s flagship D-segment wagon. Introduced in April 2018 and remaining in production until February 2020, this model aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and reasonable performance for European buyers. It occupied a mid-range position in the Insignia Sports Tourer lineup, slotting below the more powerful petrol and diesel options, and above the base-level trims. The Insignia B series, built on the GM’s Epsilon II platform, represented a significant step forward in terms of technology, refinement, and overall driving experience compared to its predecessor.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (B) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6d (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2018 |
| End of production | February, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8-6.0 l/100 km (40.6 – 39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2-4.4 l/100 km (56 – 53.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8-5.0 l/100 km (49 – 47 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 125-131 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h (129.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2250 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D16DTH |
| 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 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1462 kg (3223.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2135 kg (4706.87 lbs.) |
| Max load | 673 kg (1483.71 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1660 l (58.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 15 l (3.96 US gal | 3.3 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 | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 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 | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17; 225/55 R17; 245/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 17; 8.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6d was the D16DTH engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine belonged to Opel’s ‘Whisper Diesel’ family, known for its relatively quiet operation and focus on fuel efficiency. It featured a turbocharger with intercooling to boost power output, and a common-rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produced 136 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque between 2000-2250 rpm. This torque band provided good low-end responsiveness, making it suitable for everyday driving and hauling loads. The engine also incorporated a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 6d-Temp emission standards. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was available on other Insignia variants, the 1.6d was exclusively offered with a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6d-equipped Insignia Sports Tourer offered a comfortable and composed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 10.7 seconds, which was adequate for most situations but not particularly sporty. The manual transmission allowed for driver engagement, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel economy over outright performance. The torque-rich engine provided sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers on the highway, but it wasn’t as punchy as the higher-output petrol or diesel options. The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. Steering was precise and well-weighted, providing a confident feel behind the wheel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6d variant typically came with a respectable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels added features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels, offering adequate stopping power. The car’s weight of around 1462 kg (3223 lbs) contributed to its stable and planted feel on the road. The steering system was an electric power steering setup, providing a light and responsive feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6d was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reasonable running costs. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its more powerful counterparts. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.6d offered lower performance but significantly better fuel economy. It also represented a more affordable entry point into the Insignia Sports Tourer range. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo Estate and Volkswagen Passat Variant, the Insignia offered a compelling combination of value, practicality, and style.
Legacy
The D16DTH engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the DPF system. Proper servicing and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial to prevent issues. In the used car market, the Insignia Sports Tourer 1.6d represents a relatively affordable and practical option for buyers seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient estate car. Its combination of comfort, practicality, and reasonable running costs continues to make it a popular choice among families and individuals alike. While not the fastest or most exciting variant in the Insignia lineup, it remains a solid and dependable vehicle.
