Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback (facelift ) 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120 Hp) StartStop

The Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback (facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120 Hp) Start/Stop: A European Efficiency Standard

The Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback, particularly its facelifted 2013 iteration equipped with the 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120 Hp) Start/Stop engine, represents a significant player in the European mid-size car segment. While the Vauxhall brand is primarily known in the United Kingdom as the sister brand to Opel across continental Europe, the Insignia served as a crucial model in its lineup, inheriting the mantle from the long-running Vectra. This specific variant, produced from 2013 to 2015, underscored Vauxhall’s commitment to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, a paramount concern in the highly competitive European market.

The Insignia, known for its sleek design and practical appeal, was designed to compete with established rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Skoda Superb. The 2013 facelift brought a refreshed aesthetic and technological enhancements, aiming to keep the model competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This particular 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX model, with its advanced diesel powertrain and integrated Start/Stop system, was engineered to offer an impressive blend of performance, economy, and environmental responsibility, making it a popular choice for both private buyers and large corporate fleets across its primary markets.

Engine and Performance: The 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120 Hp) Start/Stop Drivetrain

At the heart of the 2013 Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback (facelift 2013) 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120 Hp) Start/Stop lies a highly efficient and refined diesel engine. Codenamed A20DTE, this 2.0-liter (119.36 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder powerplant is transversely mounted at the front, driving the front wheels. It features a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for both power and efficiency. The engine benefits from a sophisticated Diesel Common Rail fuel injection system, which precisely controls fuel delivery, contributing to its impressive fuel economy and lower emissions.

Further enhancing its performance and efficiency is a turbocharger coupled with an intercooler. This forced induction system not only boosts the engine’s output but also improves its responsiveness across the rev range. The engine delivers a respectable 120 horsepower at 4000 rpm, providing ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. More impressively, it produces a robust 221.27 lb.-ft. of torque, available from a broad band between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This substantial torque ensures strong acceleration from low speeds and effortless overtaking maneuvers, a characteristic highly valued in diesel engines.

Paired with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, the Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX achieves a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 11.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 121.17 mph. While not a performance-oriented variant, these figures are perfectly adequate for its intended purpose as a comfortable and efficient family or business vehicle. The ecoFLEX designation signifies Vauxhall’s focus on ecological efficiency, and this is evident in its fuel consumption figures: an outstanding 52.3 US mpg in urban conditions, an even more remarkable 73.5 US mpg on the extra-urban cycle, and a combined average of 63.6 US mpg. With CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km, this model easily met the Euro 5 emission standard, making it a tax-efficient and environmentally conscious choice in its market.

A key feature contributing to its efficiency is the Start/Stop system. This technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts it almost instantaneously when the driver engages the clutch, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions in city driving conditions. The engine also includes a particulate filter, further minimizing harmful emissions.

Design and Features of the Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback (facelift 2013)

The Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback, particularly after its 2013 facelift, showcased a contemporary and aerodynamic design that blended elegance with practicality. Measuring 190.63 inches in length, 73.07 inches in width (82.05 inches including mirrors), and 58.98 inches in height, the Insignia presented a substantial road presence. Its long wheelbase of 107.76 inches contributed to a stable ride and generous interior space.

The hatchback body style, with its five doors and seating for five occupants, offered immense versatility. The facelift introduced subtle but effective styling updates, including revised front and rear fascias, new lighting signatures, and updated interior trim options, giving the Insignia a more modern and upscale appearance. The design aimed for a coupé-like profile while retaining the practicality of a conventional five-door hatchback.

Inside, the Insignia was known for its comfortable cabin and intuitive layout. While the specific data doesn’t detail interior features, typical for the facelifted model would include an updated infotainment system, improved material quality, and ergonomic enhancements. The practicality of the hatchback body is highlighted by its generous cargo capacity: a minimum of 18.72 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to an impressive 51.91 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This made it highly suitable for families requiring flexible luggage space.

Safety features were a priority for the Insignia. This model came equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, ensuring stable braking performance. The suspension setup featured an independent McPherson strut system with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, complemented by an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This combination provided a comfortable ride while maintaining composed handling. Braking power was supplied by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The vehicle rode on 215/60 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims, a practical choice offering a good balance of comfort and grip.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Vauxhall Insignia I Hatchback (facelift 2013)

The Vauxhall Insignia, and particularly the 2013 facelifted model with its 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX engine, left a significant mark on the European mid-size car market. As the successor to the venerable Vectra, the Insignia had big shoes to fill, and it largely succeeded by offering a more premium feel, sophisticated design, and a strong emphasis on efficiency. In the United Kingdom, it was a ubiquitous sight on motorways and in corporate car parks, often serving as a primary choice for fleet managers due to its competitive running costs, strong residual values, and comfortable long-distance cruising capabilities.

Its primary competitors in the D-segment (mid-size family car) included well-established models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Skoda Superb. The Insignia differentiated itself with its distinctive styling, which was often praised for its sleek, almost coupé-like profile, especially in the hatchback variant. The 2013 facelift helped to maintain its visual appeal against newer rivals, incorporating subtle design tweaks and technology upgrades that kept it relevant.

The ecoFLEX variant, with its 120 horsepower 2.0-liter diesel engine and Start/Stop technology, was particularly impactful. It capitalized on the strong demand for fuel-efficient diesel vehicles in Europe, offering an attractive proposition for buyers concerned with fuel costs and environmental taxes. Its low CO2 emissions of 98 g/km were a key selling point, as they often translated into lower vehicle excise duty and company car tax benefits. This made it a highly practical and financially sensible option for a broad customer base, from families to business professionals.

Beyond its economic appeal, the Insignia was generally well-regarded for its comfortable ride, decent handling, and spacious interior, especially the generous trunk capacity of the hatchback. While perhaps not the most dynamically engaging car in its class, it excelled as a composed and dependable cruiser. The combination of its robust diesel engine, efficient manual transmission, and thoughtful features like the Start/Stop system solidified its reputation as a smart choice for those prioritizing efficiency and practicality in a stylish package.

The Insignia’s legacy is one of a solid, dependable, and highly efficient workhorse that successfully navigated the competitive European market. It demonstrated Vauxhall’s ability to produce a refined and economical mid-size vehicle that met the evolving demands of its customers, setting a standard for efficiency and practicality that continued into subsequent generations.