Feature Spotlight: 2014 Opel Insignia And Its Updated Powertrain Lineup

Among the various midcycle enhancements, the 2014 Opel Insignia features two new turbocharged gasoline engines, and one new turbo diesel unit, offering a choice of three fuels — gasoline, diesel, and LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). The new engine range offers a wide powerband ranging from 81 kW/110 hp to 184 kW/250 hp, with the even more powerful OPC variant set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

The Diesels – How Do You Want Your 2.0 CDTI?

The 2014 Insignia will offer the 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine in various output levels.

Intended to deliver optimal fuel efficiency, delivering 88 kW (120 hp) and 320 Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque or 103 kW (140 hp), 370 Nm (272 lb-ft), and CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km (104 g/km CO2 in the Sports Tourer) based on Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission with Start/Stop, the engine consumes just 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km on the combined cycle in the Insignia sedan and hatchback, and 3.9 l/100 km in the Sports Tourer — top values in the class that place it in the A+ efficiency category. Compared to the outgoing model, the 103 kW (140 hp) variant of the engine delivers ten more horsepower and consumes 14 percent less fuel while emitting 13 percent fewer CO2 emissions.

Available in front or all-wheel drive form, the more powerful diesel-powered 2.0 liter CDTI makes 120 kW/163 hp and a maximum 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque while only using 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km and emitting 114 g/km CO2 (4.5/100 km and 119 g/km CO2 for the Sports Tourer). The max torque is achieved through an automatic overboost feature that turns on at full load.

The range-topping Insignia diesel offers 143 kW (195 hp) out of a 2.0 liter BiTurbo CDTI motor. The mill delivers a maximum of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and delivers responsive power across a broad power band thanks to two sequential turbochargers. Compressing the intake charge of the two turbochargers provides a fast throttle response and seamless power delivery, while the twin-cooler system with two intercoolers ensures an optimized cooling of the compressed air of both turbochargers.

From a performance perspective, the BiTurbo sedan with a six-speed transmission achieves 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds while having a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) while the Sports Tourer achieves the same in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Fuel consumption is 4.7 liters per 100 km for the sedan and 4.9 l/100 km for the Sports Tourer. CO2 emissions are equal to 125 g/km for the sedan and 129 g/km for the Sports Tourer. The Insignia BiTurbo can be configured with an adaptive all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Gasoline Mills: From 1.4 To 2.0

The 2014 Insignia introduces two new direct injected engines, including turbocharged a 2.0 and 1.6 liter four-cylinders using GM’s SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) technology. The 2.0 liter makes 184 kW (250 horsepower) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of maximum torque, while the 1.6 liter makes 125 kW (170 hp) and 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) of torque from 1,650 rpm, with 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) that’s part of an overboost feature. In Insignia sedan and hatchback models, the 1.6 turbo consumes 5.9 liters of fuel per 100 km while emitting 139 g/km CO2 (according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007), while the Sports Tourer consumes a little more at 6.2 l/100 km and expels 146 g/km CO2. The fuel economy figures for the 1.6T are roughly a 16 percent improvement over the outgoing models powered by the previous-generation 1.6 boosted unit. Best of all, the engine runs on regular as well as super gasoline fuel.

Both the 2.0 and 1.6 liter turbocharged engines can be mated with a six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology, or a new low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox. In some markets, the Insignia powered by the 2.0 liter SIDI Turbo is available in all-wheel-drive.

Those looking for utmost efficiency will be content to know that the base engine is a thrifty and clean (Euro 6) 1.4 liter turbo with a six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology. The compact four-banger makes 103 kW (140 hp) and 200 Nm of torque (148 lb-ft), with 220 Nm (163 lb-ft) available on overboost, while consuming 5.2 liter of fuel every 100 km and emitting 123 g/km CO2 (5.6 l/100km and 131 g/km CO2 in the Sports Tourer, according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007) — thereby delivering best-in-class fuel economy. Alternatively, the same engine can be optioned to drink LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and delivering 103 kW (140 hp) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque. Both the LPG and gasoline versions meet stringent future Euro 6 emissions standards.

The LPG-powered Insignia consumes of 7.6 l/100 km (7.9 l/100 km in the Sports Tourer) over the combined cycle and low CO2 emissions of 124 g/km (129 g/km CO2 in the Sports Tourer). Besides the low emissions and fuel costs, another benefit of the LPG engine is long driving range: in bi-fuel LPG/gasoline operation, Opel says that up to 1,700 km can be covered without having to stop for refueling.

Having released information about the updated vehicle in June, Opel will publicly debut that 2014 Insignia range at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) from September 12 – 22 alongside the Monza concept car. Besides the range of new powertrains, the Opel (and Vauxhall) flagship also features a new infotainment system, revised styling, improved chassis, and better aerodynamics.