New 2.0L Diesel Opel Insignia ecoFLEX: 136 g CO2/km

20 April 2009

The Opel Insignia EcoFLEX. Click to enlarge.

The new ecoFLEX version of the Opel Insignia features a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with an output of 118 kW (160 hp) and a maximum 380 N·m (280 lb-ft) of torque with overboost, with emissions of 136 g CO₂/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg US) on the MVEG/NEDC cycle.

The Insignia ecoFLEX accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 221 km/h (137 mph). The maximum torque of 350 N·m is available from 1,750 rpm, and can be temporarily increased for 15 seconds to 380 N·m via an ‘overboost’ function.

Designers have streamlined the ecoFLEX model by adding panelling under the tank and lowering the body 10 mm for a CD value down to 0.26. Other improvements include adding a flexible front spoiler lip and reducing upper cooling openings. Moreover, engineers have optimized gearing and final drive ratio on the six-gear manual transmission and added specially-designed Michelin Primacy HP tires.

The CleanTech combustion process for diesel engines ensures the lowest possible emissions and improves interior acoustics by controlling combustion via an electronic closed-loop system, adapting fuel injection to combustion development in real time. This allows dynamic driving at extremely low fuel consumption.

Best fuel efficiency is reached when drivers follow shift recommendations which are displayed on an arrow graphic in the instrument panel. In practice, drivers reach the sixth gear with a low rpm and still have reserves for more acceleration—ideal for long rides.

Like all Insignia models, the new ecoFLEX is Euro 5 certified. It will be available first with sedan and hatchback bodies starting at €30,105 (US$39,000). Deliveries to customers begin early summer 2009. With this CO₂ value, customers in many countries now will receive tax advantages.