The Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo (165 Hp), produced from June 2017 to July 2018, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineup. As a liftback, it offered a practical and stylish alternative to traditional sedans and hatchbacks. While the Vauxhall brand is primarily known in the United Kingdom and Europe, the Insignia, and particularly the Grand Sport variant, aimed to compete with established players like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in terms of space, comfort, and technology. This model specifically targeted buyers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and respectable performance within the D-segment.
Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport: Overview
The Insignia II Grand Sport was part of a broader refresh of the Insignia range, introducing a more sculpted exterior design and an updated interior with enhanced technology. The 1.5 Turbo engine option was positioned as a mainstream choice, offering a good compromise between running costs and driving experience. The liftback body style, characterized by a sloping rear window and a larger tailgate, provided increased cargo capacity and ease of access compared to the previous generation. This model was never officially sold in the United States, but it exemplifies the European approach to family car design, prioritizing practicality and efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Insignia II Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated B15XFT. This engine produces 165 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 4500 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the vehicle achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.5 seconds, and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.9 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 222 km/h (137.94 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers combined (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 136 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Insignia II Grand Sport boasts a sleek, modern liftback design. Its exterior styling features a prominent front grille, sculpted headlights, and a flowing roofline that contributes to its aerodynamic profile. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on ergonomics and practicality. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers and offers a generous 490-liter (17.3 cu. ft.) trunk space, expandable to 1450 liters (51.21 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of safety systems such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Grand Sport prioritized passenger safety with features common for its time, including multiple airbags and stability control. The interior materials were generally of good quality for its class, aiming to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4897 mm (192.8 in) in length, 1863 mm (73.35 in) in width, and 1455 mm (57.28 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2829 mm (111.38 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia II Grand Sport |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 Turbo (165 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2017 |
| End of production | July, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 136 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h (137.94 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B15XFT |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1441 kg (3176.86 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1450 l (51.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Length | 4897 mm (192.8 in.) |
| Width | 1863 mm (73.35 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2093 mm (82.4 in.) |
| Height | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2829 mm (111.38 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a spacious, efficient, and well-equipped family car. While not sold in the US market, it represents a significant example of contemporary European automotive engineering and design.
