Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160 CV EcoFLEX and 2.8T V6 260 CV, comparison (Part III)

We arrive at the third part of this comparison, so unusual for the top-of-the-range versions of the Opel Insignia, where we first brought you the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi with 160 CV in the EcoFLEX specification, which reduces the vehicle’s consumption and emissions, and we also brought you the most radical version of the Insignia, equipped with the 2.8T V6 petrol engine with 260 CV and all-wheel drive (hopefully we will soon be able to bring you the OPC test, as we haven’t forgotten it).

Now, in this third part, we have to get inside the Insignia and tell you about its interior. But since we have already tested this model before, we refer you to the Insignia test we carried out a few months ago if you want to go deeper into the details of the interior space or the boot.

Exterior design and interior space

The exterior design stands out for its current line, one that is still rarely seen on our roads. It is a car with a muscular look and at the same time an elegant profile, the LED daytime running lights (which accompany the xenon headlights) are an option that enhances the front of the vehicle even further. Personally I liked the dark red of our EcoFlex much more than the grey we had tested a few months ago; it drew more attention.

As always, it stands out for the spaciousness of the front and rear seats, as well as legroom. But the design takes its toll on headroom in the rear seats and also on rear visibility, which is somewhat difficult. The driving position is very comfortable, and the seats fitted to our Insignia hold the body perfectly and offer good lateral support, plus a practical detail: the front seats can be extended to better support the legs on long journeys (see detail).

The materials of the centre console are generally of very good quality and practically at the level of a premium saloon, with instrument cluster lighting that changes depending on whether we are driving in Tour mode or in Sport mode (in red). We still don’t like the placement of the navigation controls on the centre console, as it is very easy to hit the gear selector by mistake. In the sport version this doesn’t exist.

Equipment and prices

Regarding equipment, this was also a subject we covered when we tested the Insignia a few months ago, and to see every detail of the equipment you can read that test. But there were equipment details we could not test at the time, such as the Eye systemOpel that recognises traffic signs or the lane departure warning system.

Starting with the equipment: the Opel Insignia EcoFLEX we tested had the Cosmo trim (the most complete in the range), and the Insignia 2.8T all-wheel drive came with the Sport trim level (also the most complete in the range). Both models come as standard with several airbags, rain and light sensors, air conditioning, CD-MP3 radio, fog lights, halogen front headlights with daytime running lights (but not LED, which are associated with the xenon headlights); ABS with electronic brake force distribution and stability control are also standard at this trim level.

The Insignia with all-wheel drive and the Sport trim has specific equipment such as the rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential (ELSD) or the lowered chassis. The wheels are also different in the Sport trim, with a sportier look. But the standard equipment is very similar to the Cosmo trim, with all the elements we mentioned earlier. As for extras, the navigation system, which also includes a USB port in the armrest, is highly recommended, as are the bi-xenon headlights, which we highly recommend for the good illumination they provide, as well as cornering light function.

The leather seats are perforated (which is basic for leather) and have the heated function, with the driver’s seat also featuring ventilation, a very practical feature on hot days when the sun beats down on black leather. In short, it has complete equipment for the starting price and you can have a fully loaded Insignia with practically everything without the bill rising considerably.

Among the optional equipment we find the Eye systemOpel, (see detail) which recognises traffic signs and overtaking restrictions (see detail). I was quite sceptical about this system, but it has proved quite useful, since you can configure it to display every speed sign on screen or to remind you of it. It recognises signs very well and doesn’t miss any, but it has one drawback: on motorways it mixes up the signs for exit lanes or parallel roads (although that is to be expected).

We also tested the Park Assist system, which measures the space for parking when you pass a parking space at under 30 km/h on a parallel parking spot, but this is a completely dispensable extra. It works well, but for everyday city parking it is not very practical. Finally, it also had the lane change warning system, which works very well and can be quite practical because if you drift out of your lane it warns you quite forcefully with a sound and visually on the screen.

The price of the Opel Insignia EcoFLEX with the 2.0 CDTi 160 CV engine starts at 28,710 euros (according to the Opel online configurator), and the starting price for the all-wheel drive version with the 260 CV turbo engine is 30,310 euros.

Overall assessment

Turning now to the overall assessment of the model, I still believe it is a great saloon on a par with premium saloons, with technical solutions that match the best mid-size saloons and all of this for a price of around 30,000 euros with complete equipment, which, if you go for extras, can climb to around 36,000 euros (approx.) for the Insignia EcoFLEX diesel with 160 CV or around 37,000 euros (approx.) for the all-wheel drive petrol model. These prices are not at all expensive when you consider the Insignia’s dimensions, handling and equipment.

• Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160 CV EcoFLEX

As for the assessment of this version, if we compare it with the regular 160 CV diesel Insignia, the EcoFLEX version is without doubt much more recommendable, and if you take into account the gear changes and adapt to the engine, you can get the most out of it while travelling with more than reasonable consumption.

It is also worth considering a 130 CV Insignia CDTi, an engine with performance very similar to the 160 CV unit, and with somewhat more reasonable consumption, an alternative especially if you have to do a lot of city driving where consumption can soar.

Diego G. Moreira

• Insignia 2.8T V8 260 CV 4×4

What most catches the attention, without a doubt, is the flexibility of the gears, with near-constant torque across much of the rev range, and being able to push them hard as it is a petrol engine. The turbo barely makes its presence felt when it kicks in, avoiding the typical surge of diesels and making the journey more comfortable for driver and passengers.

Another highly notable aspect is the stability the car offers by itself, reinforced by its permanent 4×4 traction, which will avoid many scares even in the worst road conditions. The suspension is adequate, though it doesn’t stand out, more for the blend of sports car and saloon than for its function as such. Perhaps for the purists, we miss a version with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, in pure Mercedes AMG style, to fully exploit all the power.

Javier Vicente

Test Opel Insignia CDTI 160 CV | Part I , Part II, Part III

Photos | Javi Vicente & Diego G. Moreira