The new Opel Insignia offers low Cd values of just below 0.25 for the hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. Click to enlarge.

Compared to its predecessor, the new 103 kW/140 hp version delivers 10 more horsepower, while consuming 14% less fuel and emitting 13% fewer CO₂ emissions. Even in a more powerful configuration, with 120 kW/163 hp, the 2.0-liter turbo diesel consumes 4.3l/100 km (54.7 mpg_US) and emits 114 g/km CO₂ (Sports Tourer: 4.5/100 km and 119 g/km CO₂), also putting it into the best A+ efficiency class.

The 88 kW/120 hp version of the 2.0 CDTI generates up to 320 N·m (236 lb-ft), while its 103 kW/140 hp counterpart offers a maximum of 370 N·m ()273 lb-ft. The 120 kW/163 hp version, available with front or all-wheel drive, delivers 380 N·m (280 lb-ft). The maximum torque figures are achieved through the automatic overboost function which kicks in at full load.

The top-of-the-line Insignia diesel is the 143 kW/195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI. This high-performance diesel engine develops torque of 400 N·m (295 lb-ft) and is distinguished by its direct responsiveness, as well as pulling power across a broad rpm range due to its sequential, two stage turbochargers.

Intake charge compression shared by two turbochargers ensures a fast throttle response and a seamless power delivery. The twin-cooler system with two intercoolers ensures an optimized cooling of the compressed air of both turbochargers.

The BiTurbo sedan with a six-speed gearbox accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h (142 mph) (Sports Tourer: 8.9 seconds and 225 km/h), while consuming 4.7 liters per 100 km (50 mpg_US). Its CO₂ emissions of 125 g/km are also in the green efficiency class A (Sports Tourer: 4.9 l/100 km and 129 g/km CO₂). In addition to front-wheel drive and manual transmission, the Insignia BiTurbo is also available with adaptive all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new generation 1.6 SIDI turbo with 125 kW/170 hp and 260 N·m (up to 280 N·m with overboost) available from 1,650 rpm. Click to enlarge.

Spark ignition engines: gasoline and LPG. On the spark ignition engine front, Opel is introducing two new gasoline direct injection engines: a 2.0-liter SIDI turbo (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) with 184 kW/250 hp and 400 N·m maximum torque, and the all-new generation 1.6 SIDI turbo with 125 kW/170 hp and 260 N·m (192 lb-ft) (up to 280 N·m with overboost) available from 1,650 rpm.

In four and five-door models, the 1.6 SIDI turbo requires 5.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (40 mpg_US) and emits 139 g/km CO₂ (according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007), while the Sports Tourer consumes 6.2 l/100 km (38 mpg_US) with 146 g/km CO₂. This is an improvement of almost 16% compared to models powered by the previous 1.6 turbo engine. The engine runs on regular as well as premium gasoline fuel.

Key development objectives of engineers for the new 1.6 SIDI engine were low overall levels of radiated noise and vibration, with no unusual sounds. Optimization of the induction and exhaust systems included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system. In this way, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels resulting from the gasoline direct injection’s pulsed combustion.

Balancer shafts integrated in tunnels along the cylinder block also contribute to these enhancements. The 1.6-liter turbo direct injection engine is the only gasoline unit in its displacement class equipped with two such balancer shafts.

Both the 1.6 and 2.0 SIDI turbo can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop, or a new, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to front-wheel-drive, the 2.0-liter SIDI Turbo is in some markets also available with all-wheel-drive.

The entry-level gasoline engine at market launch is a Euro 6 1.4 turbo with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop. It delivers 103 kW/140 hp and 200 N·m (148 lb-ft) of torque (220 N·m with overboost), with fuel consumption of 5.2 l/100 km (45 mpg_US) and 123 g/km CO₂ (Sports Tourer 5.6 l/100 km and 131 g/km CO₂ according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007).

An alternative, extremely economical powertrain option is the 103 kW/140 hp Insignia 1.4 LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), with maximum torque of 200 N·m. Like the gasoline version, it meets Euro 6 emissions standards, with fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km (31 mpg_US) (Sports Tourer: 7.9 l/100 km) over the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of 124 g/km (Sports Tourer: 129 g/km CO₂). In bi-fuel LPG/gasoline operation, range is up to 1,700 km (1,056 miles).

Aerodynamics. The new Insignia’s aerodynamically optimized body design, incorporating many measures that lower its drag coefficient to less than 0.25 for the hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. These include new extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation, and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler.

Insignia 2.0 CDTI models with Start/Stop and 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp also feature an active front air shutter. Air flowing through the front grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to 8% of total vehicle air drag. To reduce this effect, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence.

For cold starts, an additional advantage is a faster engine warm up, which also provides fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions benefits. Whenever the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically.

Chassis tuning. Opel engineers made a number of chassis improvements, including dampers, roll-bars and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behavior and even higher levels of comfort. The Insignia now features new dampers and rebound springs, while completely new suspension control arms and carrier housings were built into the axle architecture to improve driving comfort. In addition, the diameters of the front and rear anti-roll bars have also been altered.

Opel’s FlexRide premium chassis system, with its real-time adaptive driving style recognition, is sed in the new Insignia. This chassis networks all driving dynamics systems and features electronic damper adjustment, as well as speed-dependent power steering. The driver can choose between three driving modes: Standard for driving comfort, Tour for an even softer, more comfortable drive, and Sport for a more direct, sporty driving experience.