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Insignia: New Engines and Premium Equipment

Opel at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show

13.09.2011

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Rüsselsheim/Frankfurt. Opel presents the model year 2012 Insignia at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 15 - 25). Already more than 400,000 customers have bought the Opel flagship since it was launched in November 2008. Compared to the first half of 2009 (about 73,300) and 2010 (more than 71,000), sales in the first half of 2011 rose to around 79,000. For the whole of 2010 the Insignia’s market share in the European “D-Segment” was 15.2 percent

The Insignia’s high quality has also been spotlighted by the DEKRA defects report 2011, where Opel’s top model achieved the best result of all cars tested with an index of 96.1 percent defect-free vehicles. The results of 15 million general inspections of 230 models are evaluated for the defects report. The refined Insignia is set to continue this success story. “With new innovative product features, more power and considerable reduction in consumption and CO₂ emissions, the Insignia will strengthen the excellent position it holds in its class,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

1.4-liter turbo gasoline engine stands for fuel economy

With the new 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX and six-speed manual transmission, the Insignia features the most economical gasoline engine in the entire mid-size class segment. The highly efficient downsizing unit delivers 103 kW/140 hp and replaces the equally powerful 1.8-liter aspirated version. The Insignia 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX standard equipment includes Start/Stop technology developed by Opel, electric power steering, aerodynamic underbody paneling and low-rolling-resistance tires.

Thanks to these measures the new 1.4-liter unit uses only 5.7 liters of premium gasoline for 100 kilometers, two liters less than its predecessor. CO₂ emissions are reduced accordingly by 45 grams to 134 grams per kilometer – a consumption and emissions reduction of more than 25 percent. Despite the smaller displacement, the torque delivered compared to the 1.8-liter unit was increased by almost 15 percent to 200 Nm. Refinements to the transmission ratio ensure that the increase in efficiency is accompanied by perceptibly improved agility. With this engine variant the Insignia can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h. In the Sports Tourer version it achieves the best values in the station wagon segment with consumption of 5.9 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 139 g/km.

The newly developed Rack Assist Electric Power Steering (REPS) with speed-dependent power steering support featured for the first time in the Insignia ensures enhanced driving dynamics. A significant advantage of the REPS system – alongside precise power dosage, response and excellent road surface contact – is the potential for fuel savings and thus a reduction in CO₂ emissions. As it does not permanently rely on a running hydraulic servo pump, the electric power steering is only active when it is required.

2.0 turbo 4x4: More power and torque with reduced consumption

The new Insignia 2.0 turbo 4x4 with gasoline direct injection features 30 hp higher output and adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive. Opel engineers also increased the boost pressure, optimized fuel injection and reduced flow losses in the intake and exhaust system. The all-aluminum two-liter turbo engine has a range of high-tech features including a twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, twin camshafts with variable valve timing and two balance shafts. It delivers 184 kW/250 hp while developing a maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously: 350 Nm).

The driving performance is accordingly impressive. The two-liter turbo can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. With the optional Start/Stop system and low-rolling-resistance tires it was possible to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ values to 8.4 l/100 km and 197 g/km (without Start/Stop: 8.5 l/100 km / 199 g/km CO₂). The Insignia 2.0 turbo unit with front-wheel drive continues to deliver 162 kW/220 hp.

From 115 g/km CO₂: Thrifty diesel engines with sophisticated performance

The three 2.0 CDTI units with 81 kW/110 hp, 96 kW/130 hp and 118 kW/160 hp are now optionally available with Start/Stop. The Insignia 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 118 kW/160 hp shows just how effective this intelligent fuel-saving technology is: the sedan’s fuel consumption is reduced from an average of 4.9 to 4.3 liters of diesel per 100 km with CO₂ emissions of just 115 g/km. The two-liter diesel engine, which has optimized combustion control and further reduced internal friction, already generates its maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,750 rpm. The Insignia ecoFLEX with 118 kW/160 hp, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 221 km/h. The efficient diesel unit combined with the adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive, which is available for all three body styles, provides the driver the dynamics and high active safety of an all-wheel-drive vehicle.  

The 110 hp version of the Insignia sedan achieves a maximum speed of 190 km/h (Sports Tourer 185 km/h). The smallest diesel with Start/Stop – just like the 130 hp variant – needs 4.4 l/100 km and emits 116 g/km CO₂ (Sports Tourer 4.5 l/100 km / 119 g/km).

Exact navigation with new infotainment systems

In the new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa all of the map material is stored on SD cards. In addition to the default points of interest (POIs), further POIs can be downloaded and stored via USB connection on the device. Another practical feature: as well as the fastest and shortest routes, the navigation system also allows the selection of the most economical, i.e. the lowest fuel consumption routes.

The Navi 900 Europa system also offers a voice recognition and log book function, as well as the option of separating private and business trips. An additional POI announcement informs the driver of points of interest in the direct proximity by audible signal, text or pop-up. As of the equipment variant “Edition”, a high-end sound system from the hi-fi specialists Infinity is also available.

Premium equipment: Nappa leather “Indian Night”

The model year 2012 Insignia also offers enhanced comfort and style features. Opel’s top model is available on request with the new premium Nappa leather finish “Indian Night”, which is distinguished by a combination of high-quality black leather with contrasting stitching in an elegant Cognac tone. “Indian Night” supplements the “Indian Summer” trim introduced in 2010, which has warm orange and brown tones.

The multi-award-winning exterior design is refined by the new dark blue metallic lacquer “Luxor”, which also has blue-violet color reflections depending on the light. The Opel Insignia’s sporty, elegant silhouette will be rounded off in the coming months by a selection of new alloy wheels with striking rim designs.