The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer (facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex (140 Hp) Start/Stop represents a significant offering in the European D-segment, commonly known as the mid-size family car market. While the Vauxhall brand is primarily recognized in the United Kingdom, this vehicle is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia sold throughout mainland Europe. This particular variant, equipped with a 140 horsepower 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex engine and a Start/Stop system, exemplifies the focus on fuel efficiency and practicality that defined this segment during its 2013 to 2015 production run. As a station wagon, or “estate” as it’s known in Europe, it provided a compelling combination of spaciousness, comfort, and economical diesel performance tailored to the needs of European families and fleet operators.
The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer: A European Mid-Size Vehicle
The Insignia I generation, initially launched in 2008, marked a departure from the Vectra it replaced, boasting a more upscale design and improved driving dynamics. The 2013 facelift introduced a range of refinements, including updated styling, enhanced interior materials, and, importantly, more efficient powertrains like the 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex. This model was designed to compete directly with established rivals such as the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Skoda Superb, offering a distinctly British character under the Vauxhall badge within the larger General Motors (GM) global portfolio at the time.
Engine & Performance: The 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex Powertrain
The heart of this Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer is the 2.0-liter (1,956 cubic centimeters) CDTi ecoFlex diesel engine, designated with the A20DTE code. This inline four-cylinder unit, featuring a DOHC valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, was engineered to balance usable power with exceptional fuel economy. Equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, it produced 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. However, its strength lay in its torque output – a robust 258.15 lb-ft available across a broad rev range, from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. This ample torque ensured strong acceleration and effortless cruising, even when the vehicle was fully loaded.
Power was delivered to the front wheels via a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, a common and preferred setup in the European market for its efficiency and driver engagement. The “ecoFlex” designation, coupled with the standard Start/Stop system, highlighted Vauxhall’s commitment to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it seamlessly when the clutch is engaged, significantly improving fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex achieved impressive combined fuel consumption figures of 60.3 US mpg (3.9 l/100 km), with extra-urban figures reaching 67.2 US mpg (3.5 l/100 km). With CO2 emissions of just 104 g/km, it met the stringent Euro 5 emission standard, making it an environmentally conscious choice for its time.
Despite its focus on efficiency, the Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex offered respectable performance. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 124.27 mph (200 km/h). These figures positioned it competitively within its class, providing sufficient performance for highway travel and overtaking maneuvers while maintaining its economical credentials.
Design & Features: Practicality and Refinement
The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer (facelift 2013) presented a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design for a station wagon, challenging the traditionally boxy perception of the body style. Measuring 193.43 inches in length, 73.07 inches in width (82.05 inches including mirrors), and 59.57 inches in height, it offered a substantial road presence. The 107.76-inch wheelbase contributed to a stable ride and generous interior space. The facelift incorporated subtle but effective changes, including revised front and rear fascias, updated lighting signatures, and new wheel designs, giving it a more contemporary look.
Inside, the Insignia Sports Tourer was designed with practicality and comfort for five occupants. The cabin received a refresh with the facelift, featuring higher-quality materials, a redesigned center console, and an improved infotainment system. The primary appeal of the Sports Tourer body style was its cargo versatility. It offered 19.07 cubic feet (540 liters) of trunk space with all seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 54.03 cubic feet (1,530 liters) when the rear seats were folded down. This made it an ideal vehicle for families needing ample luggage capacity or for those who frequently transported larger items.
Safety features for the 2013 model year included standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and, given its segment and era, it would have been equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags and electronic stability control. The suspension setup, with an independent MacPherson strut design at the front and an independent multi-link system at the rear, provided a comfortable ride and competent handling, further enhanced by the 225/55 R17 tires. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, ensuring confident stopping power.
Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer (facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex (140 Hp) Start/Stop
| Category | Specification |
| General Information | |
| Brand | Vauxhall (Opel in mainland Europe) |
| Model | Insignia I Sports Tourer (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex (140 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Production Years | 2013 – 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body Type | Station wagon (estate) – 5 Doors, 5 Seats |
| Performance Specifications | |
| Fuel Consumption (Urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg) |
| Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg) |
| CO2 Emissions | 104 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum Speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission Standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp (27.34 lbs/Hp) |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 5 kg/Nm (11.02 lbs/lb-ft) |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per liter | 71.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (258.15 lb-ft @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine Layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A20DTE |
| Engine Displacement | 1956 cm3 (119.36 cu. in. / 2.0 Liters) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 (Inline configuration) |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel Injection System | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine Aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt) |
| Engine Systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate Filter |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1733 kg (3820.61 lbs.) |
| Max. Weight (GVWR) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Max Load | 567 kg (1250.02 lbs.) |
| Trunk Space (Min) | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk Space (Max) | 1530 l (54.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal) |
| Permitted Trailer Load (with brakes) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted Trailer Load (without brakes) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4913 mm (193.43 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 2084 mm (82.05 in.) |
| Height | 1513 mm (59.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2737 mm (107.76 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive (ICE drives front wheels) |
| Gearbox Type | 6-speed manual transmission |
| Front Suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Assisting Systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tire Size | 225/55 R17 |
The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer (facelift 2013) with the 2.0 CDTi ecoFlex engine established a significant presence in the competitive European mid-size segment. Its primary market was the UK, where Vauxhall enjoys strong brand recognition, but its Opel counterpart was widely seen across the continent. This model proved particularly popular with fleet buyers and families due to its appealing combination of low running costs, generous cargo capacity, and a comfortable, refined driving experience.
The Insignia Sports Tourer faced strong competition from rivals like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Skoda Superb Combi. The Insignia’s design, a departure from the more conservative lines of the Vectra, helped it stand out. The “ecoFlex” variant, with its emphasis on efficiency and low CO2 emissions, was well-suited to European tax structures and environmental regulations. Ultimately, the Insignia I Sports Tourer solidified Vauxhall’s position in the D-segment, demonstrating the brand’s ability to deliver a sophisticated, practical, and efficient family vehicle.
