The Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) represents a significant offering within the European D-segment, a category known for its emphasis on practicality, efficiency, and comfort for families and business fleets. While the Vauxhall brand is primarily recognized in the United Kingdom as a subsidiary of Opel (and later PSA Group, now Stellantis), serving as a rebadged version of Opel models for the British market, the Insignia is a familiar sight across European roads. This particular variant, produced from June 2017 to July 2018, belongs to the second generation of the Insignia, which debuted with a more dynamic design and enhanced technological features compared to its predecessor. Positioned as a mid-size liftback, the Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) aimed to compete in a highly contested market segment, offering a blend of performance, fuel economy, and ample interior space.
Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp): Overview
The Insignia II Grand Sport, launched in 2017, represented a substantial update to the original Insignia, which debuted in 2008. The second generation focused on refining the design, improving interior quality, and enhancing the driving experience. The “Grand Sport” designation signified a more streamlined and athletic aesthetic. This liftback body style, combining the practicality of a hatchback with the elegance of a sedan, was a key differentiator for the Insignia in a market increasingly dominated by traditional saloon and estate (wagon) configurations. The 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D variant was specifically targeted at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs, making it a popular choice for fleet operators and high-mileage commuters.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) lies a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder inline diesel engine. Displacing 1598 cubic centimeters (97.52 cubic inches), this powerplant generates 110 horsepower at 3500 rpm, achieving a power output of 68.8 Hp per liter. The engine’s key strength lies in its torque output, peaking at 300 Newton-meters (221.27 lb.-ft.) between 1750 and 2000 rpm. This broad torque band provides strong acceleration and effortless cruising, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and drives the front wheels through a precise 6-speed manual transmission.
Employing common rail direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, the engine optimizes combustion and boosts air intake density for increased power and responsiveness. The engine, identified by the code B16DTE, also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 6 emission standards. Performance figures include a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 11 seconds and a maximum speed of 127.38 mph (205 km/h). However, the engine truly excels in fuel economy, achieving a combined cycle consumption of 4 liters per 100 kilometers (58.8 US mpg), with urban figures of 51.1 US mpg and extra-urban figures reaching 65.3 US mpg. CO2 emissions are rated at 105 g/km.
Design & Features
The Insignia II Grand Sport boasts a sleek and sophisticated liftback body style, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical versatility. Its five-door, five-seat configuration provides ample space for passengers and cargo. The vehicle measures 192.8 inches (4897 mm) in length, 73.35 inches (1863 mm) in width (expanding to 82.4 inches with mirrors), and 57.28 inches (1455 mm) in height. A generous wheelbase of 111.38 inches (2829 mm) contributes to a comfortable ride and spacious interior. The liftback design provides a substantial 17.3 cubic feet (490 liters) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 51.21 cubic feet (1450 liters) with the seats folded down.
The vehicle’s kerb weight is 3313.55 pounds (1503 kg), and it features an independent McPherson strut front suspension and ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes with ABS. The steering system is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion setup. The Insignia II Grand Sport 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) rides on 215/55 R17 tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels. While specific trim levels varied, common features included air conditioning, power windows, a touchscreen infotainment system, and various safety features such as multiple airbags and electronic stability control.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| General Information | |
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia II Grand Sport |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2017 |
| End of production | July, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 105 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.7 kg/Hp (73.2 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm (199.6 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per liter | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750-2000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16DTE |
| 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) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 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) |
| Dimensions | |
| 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.) |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Vauxhall Insignia II Grand Sport, and specifically the 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D (110 Hp) variant, carved out a distinct niche within the highly competitive European D-segment during its brief production run. While not sold in the United States, the Insignia’s role in its primary markets, particularly the UK, was significant. It served as a flagship model for Vauxhall, embodying the brand’s commitment to offering practical, efficient, and well-equipped vehicles for both private buyers and corporate fleets. The 1.6 EcoTEC Turbo D engine was particularly vital in a market segment where diesel powertrains traditionally dominated due to their superior fuel economy and torque characteristics. Its efficiency, with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, made it a fiscally attractive option in regions with high fuel taxes. The Insignia II Grand Sport’s legacy is defined by its ability to offer a compelling package of comfort, practicality, and efficiency, representing a modern evolution of the traditional family car.
