Opel Insignia 2013 Review

OVERVIEW

Opel Australia says Insignia brings “attainable German design and engineering” Down Under. The relocated brand is hoping its sleek new model will challenge the likes of Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508 and Volkswagen Passat.

The standard model is generously specified with features that include front seat heaters, dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps, a seven-speaker audio system with USB connectivity, leather-bound steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The local Insignia range is topped by the Insignia Select model variant, which adds a seven-inch colour screen LED daytime running lamps, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, front seat ventilation, AGR-accredited front seats (the pews score extremely high marks with German back and posture specialists Gepruft and Empfohlen), a sports leather steering wheel, alloy pedals and 19-inch alloy wheels to those features listed for the entry model.

Opel Insignia 2.0T Petrol sedan and Sports Tourer models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder ECOTEC direct-injected turbocharged petrol engine mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Sedan models are priced from $38,490 with Sports Tourer models retailing from $40,490.

Diesel-powered 2.0T Diesel variants receive a 2.0-litre four-cylinder CDTI ECOTEC turbodiesel mill which is again offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is priced from $39,990 for the sedan and $41,990 for the wagon.

Moving up to the Insignia Select, petrol-powered variants are priced from $45,490 in sedan form and $47,490 for Sports Tourer models. The engine is the same as that found in entry-level Insignia models and, similarly, is paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard (no manual transmission is offered in Australia-spec Insignia models).

Insignia Select diesel variants share the same driveline option as diesel-powered Insignia and are priced from $46,990 for the sedan and $48,990 for the wagon.

Petrol-powered Insignia models are fitted with a 2.0-litre ECOTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine which outputs 162kW and 350Nm while consuming 8.8L/100km of fuel on the combined cycle (9.0L/100km for Sports Tourer). CO2 emissions are rated at 206g/km and 211g/km respectively.

The standard acceleration test (0-100km/h) is reached in 7.8 seconds for the sedan and 8.1sec for Sports Tourer models.

Insignia CDTI ECOTEC diesel is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which consumes 5.7L/100km (6.0L/100km for Sports Tourer) and emits 151g/km of CO2 in sedan format or 157g/km for the Sports Tourer.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel outputs 118kW/350Nm and can accelerate from a standing start to 100km/h in a respectable 9.6sec (10.1 for Sports Tourer).

Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select (+/- mode) as standard. No manual gearbox is offered.

Insignia variants ride on a McPherson strut (front) / multi-link (rear) suspension arrangement, lowered on Insignia Select models, and are arrested by four-wheel disc brakes. The park brake is electrically actuated. Petrol models are equipped with hydraulic power steering while diesel-powered models receive a more modern electric arrangement.

Insignia models feature 17-inch alloy wheels as standard fare which are shod with 225/55 series rubber. Larger 18-inch wheels (and 245/45 tyres) are available optionally. Insignia Select models feature 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 245/40 series hoops. Both models are equipped with a space-saver spare wheel and tyre.

Depending on variant, Insignia models weigh between 1593-1576kg (tare). The braked towing capacity varies by 100kg between body styles (1700kg for sedan v 1800kg for Sports Tourer).

The wheelbase for both body styles is identical at 2737mm, as is the turning circle (11.4m) and fuel tank capacity (70 litres).

The cabin, too, feels identical in terms of head, hip and leg room when jumping from one body style to the next, though cargo space does vary when measuring total capacity. With the seats in place, both body styles tally 500 litres though this rises to 1015 litres for the sedan when folding the 60:40 rear bench or 1530 litre for Sports Tourer.

The 12 volt power outlet in the cargo area is another nice-to-have (Sports Tourer only).

Just like other Opel models, the seats of the Insignia are worth a mention as some of the best going. Comfortable and supportive the pews rate highly in terms of accommodation, also. The front seats are met by well-placed arm rests while the driver’s seat is set ergonomically in relation to the leather-clad tilt/reach adjustable steering column.

Opel have placed the centre infotainment display at a 30-degree angle to make it more easily viewed by the driver. Ventilation outlets are also noticeably well positioned. Like most modern cars, the thicker pillars required to support the car’s profile and roof in an accident do hinder outward vision slightly, though Insignia is far from the worst in this category.

Drink holder, cubby and oddment storage is on par with others in class but by the same token hardly outstanding.

Like Astra before it, Insignia also features a pedal release system, three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front row and active head restraints.

ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorage points are fitted to all three rear seat positions.

Then there’s the army of Japanese stalwarts like Honda Accord and Accord Euro, Mazda Mazda6, Nissan Maxima, Subaru Liberty, Suzuki Kizashi and Toyota Camry that despite their ‘cheaper’ image, could pip Insignia come service time.

As mentioned in the Opel Astra Launch Review, Opel Australia will debut locally with only 17 dealerships nationwide, which could limit accessibility for outer metropolitan and regional owners come service time. This factor, along with the brand’s relatively unknown status in this country, will no doubt impact upon Insignia’s sales numbers.

Opel says the idea behind a “button for every function” is to limit the complexity of multi-menu screens, though we did find that with such a number of smaller buttons to chose from, familiarity did not come quick.

This aside, the cabin is a lovely place to be. The styling is matched by a well-configured driving position with very good outward visibility and supportive ergonomics. In fact, the cabin is only really let down by its compromised rear headroom, a considerable level of wind noise (which appeared to be generated about the wing mirrors) and some tyre roar from the optional 19-inch alloys.

These larger tyres do, however, aid in bringing significant levels of grip to Insignia’s naturally balanced handling. Despite its front-drive format the sedan feels well poised in even heavy cornering.

Not to be painted with the “too firm” brush, Insignia rode well over the many surface discrepancies encountered on our drive loop, with only larger potholes affecting the car’s ride comfort and handling.

Hit a large bump too hard and Insignia’s all-too-soft steering would track toward and then rebound sharply from the deviation, and although quickly corrected was not an ideal outcome to what’s otherwise a confident handler.

Braking is also strong with top-notch pedal modulation and well-calibrated electronic assistance.

Equally confident is Insignia’s performance. The 2.0T Petrol engine generates strong and linear acceleration from mid-tach, revving sweetly to redline. The ratios within six-speed automatic transmission are spaced closely enough to provide smooth and purposeful acceleration from almost any revs. Kickdown response is also well calibrated.

On the highway, Insignia cruises at a low enough rpm to provide decent fuel economy (we managed 9.8L/100km on a brief but spirited drive).

The transmission does not offer a ‘Sport’ setting as such but can be shifted manually should the mood take you. We found this option mostly unnecessary on test with the box performing best when left to its own devices.

Insignia is a capable performer cum comfortable cruiser with adequate space for the growing family or style-conscious professional.

It’s a little too light-on to be a out-and-out driver’s car, but comes tantalisingly close.

Insignia's combination of style and substance certainly makes it worth a longer test drive.

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