Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (220 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (220 Hp) Automatic: A European Mid-Size Contender

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (220 Hp) Automatic represents a significant shift for the British brand, launched in 2008 as the successor to the long-running Vectra. This first generation of the Insignia marked a determined effort by Vauxhall (and its German counterpart, Opel) to elevate its presence in the highly competitive European D-segment, or mid-size car market. Moving away from the more conservative styling of its predecessor, the Insignia embraced a sleek, coupe-like design and introduced a range of advanced technologies and powertrains. The specific variant under review, the 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC with 220 horsepower and an automatic transmission, positioned itself as a performance-oriented yet practical option for discerning buyers in its primary markets, particularly the United Kingdom. While never officially sold in the United States under the Vauxhall badge, its Opel sibling formed the basis for the Buick Regal, offering American consumers a taste of its European engineering and design.

Designed to appeal to both fleet buyers and private owners, the Insignia aimed to blend executive car aesthetics with family sedan practicality. Its introduction was met with critical acclaim, including being awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year in 2009. This accolade underscored its success in delivering a compelling package of design, driving dynamics, and value, setting a new benchmark for Vauxhall in the mid-size segment. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a highlight of the range, provided a potent combination of power and refinement, making the Insignia a more engaging drive than many of its rivals.

Engine & Performance of the Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon

At the heart of this particular Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon is a robust 2.0-liter (1998 cm³ or 121.93 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder engine, designated by the code A20NHT. This powerplant features a sophisticated twin-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler, contributing to its impressive output of 220 horsepower at 5300 rpm. Torque delivery is equally compelling, peaking at 258.15 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) across a broad rev range from 2000 to 4000 rpm. This wide torque band ensures strong acceleration and flexible driving characteristics, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

Power is efficiently managed through a 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. This setup allows the Insignia to achieve a brisk acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 6.9 seconds, and from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The top speed is rated at 149.13 mph (240 km/h), firmly placing it among the more performance-capable vehicles in its class. Despite its sporting aspirations, the “ecoTEC” designation signifies Vauxhall’s commitment to efficiency within its powertrain lineup. The engine features direct injection and a DOHC valvetrain with 4 valves per cylinder, optimizing fuel combustion and emissions.

Fuel economy figures, while respectable for a turbocharged engine of this power output from its era, reflect a balance between performance and efficiency. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 24.5 US mpg (9.6 l/100 km), with urban consumption at 16.8 US mpg (14 l/100 km) and extra-urban at 33.6 US mpg (7 l/100 km). CO2 emissions stand at 225 g/km, meeting the Euro 5 emission standard. With a 18.49 US gallon (70 liter) fuel tank, the Insignia offered a decent cruising range, making it suitable for longer journeys. The kerb weight of 3483.3 lbs (1580 kg) contributes to a weight-to-power ratio of 7.2 kg/Hp, indicating solid performance for its segment.

Design & Features

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon broke away from the more utilitarian design language of its predecessors with a bold, sculpted aesthetic. Its four-door sedan body type, measuring 190.16 inches (4830 mm) in length, 73.07 inches (1856 mm) in width (82.05 inches or 2084 mm including mirrors), and 58.98 inches (1498 mm) in height, gave it a substantial and elegant road presence. The long wheelbase of 107.76 inches (2737 mm) contributed to a spacious interior and stable ride characteristics. The design was characterized by flowing lines, a prominent grille, and distinctive headlamps, giving it a more premium and dynamic appeal. Its drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.27 was also commendable for its class, aiding both efficiency and high-speed stability.

Inside, the Insignia offered comfortable seating for five occupants. The cabin reflected a significant step up in material quality and design compared to previous Vauxhall models, with an emphasis on ergonomics and modern aesthetics. Practicality was a strong suit, with a minimum trunk (boot) space of 17.3 cubic feet (490 liters) that could expand to a substantial 35.67 cubic feet (1010 liters) with the rear seats folded, making it versatile for both family duties and luggage transport.

In terms of chassis and safety, the Insignia featured an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with an independent multi-link rear suspension. This setup was designed to provide a balanced ride, combining comfort with responsive handling. Stopping power came from ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety during emergency braking. Hydraulic power steering provided direct feedback to the driver. The vehicle rode on 215/60 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims, a standard setup that prioritized ride comfort and grip.

Technical Specifications

Legacy & Market Impact of the Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon, particularly in its higher-performance 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC guise, played a crucial role in redefining Vauxhall’s image in the European and UK markets. It successfully shed the somewhat staid reputation of its Vectra predecessor, ushering in an era of more sophisticated design, improved interior quality, and enhanced driving dynamics. Its “European Car of the Year” award in 2009 was a testament to its overall package and its ability to compete effectively against established rivals.

In its primary markets, the Insignia competed directly with formidable contenders like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (though typically at a lower price point than the premium German marques). While it may not have matched the ultimate dynamic prowess of some of its premium German competitors, it offered a compelling blend of style, comfort, space, and performance at a more accessible price. The 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC variant provided a strong alternative for buyers seeking executive-level performance without the associated badge premium.

The Insignia’s success was vital for Vauxhall and Opel, demonstrating their capability to produce a truly competitive and desirable mid-size car. Its sleek design, especially in the sedan form, was well-received, and the advanced powertrain options like the 2.0-liter turbo ensured it wasn’t just about looks. For the North American market, the Insignia was rebadged as the Buick Regal, which helped re-establish Buick’s sedan lineup with a more contemporary, European-inspired offering. This cross-continental branding highlighted the fundamental strengths of the Insignia’s engineering and design, proving its adaptability and broad appeal.

Over its production run from 2008 to 2013, the first-generation Insignia cemented its place as a popular choice for families and business users alike, establishing a strong foundation for future generations of the model. Its legacy is one of successful transformation, bringing modern design, advanced technology, and competitive performance to the mainstream mid-size segment.