The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (B), particularly the 1.5d (122 hp) Automatic variant introduced with the 2020 facelift, represents a significant offering in the European market’s mid-size station wagon segment. Positioned as a practical and fuel-efficient option within the Insignia lineup, it caters to buyers prioritizing comfort and economy over outright performance. Production began in March 2020, building upon the foundation of the A3/1HX0 platform shared with other PSA Group (now Stellantis) vehicles. This variant aimed to provide a balance between affordability and the spaciousness expected of a family-oriented estate car.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia Sports Tourer (B, facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5d (122 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 7.3-7.9 l/100 km (32.2 – 29.8 US mpg, 38.7 – 35.8 UK mpg, 13.7 – 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 5.2-5.8 l/100 km (45.2 – 40.6 US mpg, 54.3 – 48.7 UK mpg, 19.2 – 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.1-4.8 l/100 km (57.4 – 49 US mpg, 68.9 – 58.9 UK mpg, 24.4 – 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 4.9-6 l/100 km (48 – 39.2 US mpg, 57.6 – 47.1 UK mpg, 20.4 – 16.7 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5-5.8 l/100 km (47 – 40.6 US mpg, 56.5 – 48.7 UK mpg, 20 – 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 132-153 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 | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 3250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 81.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F15DVH |
| Engine displacement | 1496 cm3 (91.29 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 665 kg (1466.07 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 | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1450 kg (3196.7 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 (turning diameter) | 11.74 m (38.52 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 | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17; 245/45 R18; 245/35 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Insignia variant is the F15DVH, a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine is part of a modular engine family developed by PSA Group, and it utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produces 122 horsepower at 3250 rpm and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. A key feature is the inclusion of a particulate filter to meet stringent Euro 6d emission standards. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission, chosen for its smooth operation and contribution to fuel efficiency. This transmission is a conventional torque-converter automatic, prioritizing comfort over the more aggressive shifts found in dual-clutch transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5d Automatic Insignia Sports Tourer delivers a comfortable, rather than sporty, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes around 12.4 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but doesn’t offer particularly brisk performance. The automatic transmission is well-tuned for smooth gear changes, and the engine provides sufficient torque for relaxed cruising and overtaking. Compared to higher-output versions of the Insignia, such as those with the 2.0-liter diesel, this variant feels noticeably less powerful. However, the trade-off is significantly improved fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic helps keep the engine within its optimal torque band, contributing to efficiency. The gear ratios are geared towards maximizing fuel economy rather than outright acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5d Automatic trim typically falls into the mid-range of the Insignia Sports Tourer lineup. Standard equipment generally includes air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, cruise control, and a suite of safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Higher trim levels add features like heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and more advanced driver-assistance systems. Optional extras often included navigation, premium audio systems, and parking assist features.
Chassis & Braking
The Insignia Sports Tourer utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride quality. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sharp handling. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll. The steering is electric power-assisted, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.5d Automatic Insignia Sports Tourer was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family car. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of higher-output alternatives. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.5d offered lower running costs but compromised on performance. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo Estate and Volkswagen Passat Estate, the Insignia offered a competitive package in terms of space, equipment, and price.
Legacy
The 1.5d engine, while not known for being a performance powerhouse, has proven to be relatively reliable. Common issues are generally limited to diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems if the vehicle is primarily used for short journeys. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also demonstrated good durability. On the used car market, this variant represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient estate car. Its relatively low running costs and proven reliability make it an attractive option for families and long-distance drivers.
