Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop
The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop represents a significant iteration of Vauxhall’s flagship mid-size sedan, primarily serving the European and United Kingdom markets. As a badge-engineered variant of the Opel Insignia, this model, produced from 2013 to 2017, was a crucial competitor in the highly contested D-segment, offering a blend of sophisticated design, advanced technology, and practical utility. The 2013 facelift brought substantial updates to both its exterior aesthetics and interior features, aiming to refresh its appeal and align it with contemporary automotive trends. This specific variant, featuring the 1.6-liter Turbo ecoTEC engine with 170 horsepower and a Start/Stop system, underscored Vauxhall’s commitment to delivering efficient yet engaging performance, balancing power with responsible fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It embodied the brand’s strategy to provide a refined driving experience coupled with modern ecological considerations, making it a compelling choice for a wide array of buyers seeking a capable and economical family or business vehicle.
Engine and Performance of the Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop
At the heart of this particular Insignia variant lies a modern and efficient powertrain designed to offer a compelling driving experience without compromising on economy. The 1.6-liter (1598 cm3 or 97.52 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder engine, designated by codes A16XHT and B16SHL, is a key component of Vauxhall’s ecoTEC family, signifying its focus on environmental consciousness and efficiency. This unit is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, ensuring robust power delivery across a broad RPM range, from low-end acceleration to highway cruising speeds. Furthermore, its direct injection fuel system and Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with 4 valves per cylinder contribute to precise fuel metering and optimal combustion, maximizing both power output and fuel efficiency.
The engine generates a respectable 170 horsepower at 4250 rpm, providing ample thrust for daily driving and highway cruising. Torque figures are equally impressive, with a substantial 191.77 lb-ft (260 Nm) available from a low 1650 rpm and sustained up to 4250 rpm. This wide and accessible torque band ensures strong, responsive acceleration from a standstill and flexible in-gear performance, significantly reducing the need for frequent downshifts. Mated to a precise 6-speed manual transmission, power is efficiently delivered to the front wheels, offering a direct and engaging connection between driver and road. The front-wheel-drive architecture is typical for this segment, providing predictable handling characteristics.
Performance metrics for the Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop highlight its capability: it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 8.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds), with a maximum speed reaching 136.08 mph (219 km/h). These figures position it competitively within its segment, offering a sporty edge for a family sedan. Crucially, the integration of a Start/Stop system is a key feature for urban driving, automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarting it seamlessly when the driver is ready to move. This technology significantly contributes to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in stop-and-go traffic, enhancing the vehicle’s overall environmental footprint.
Fuel economy is a strong suit for this ecoTEC variant, making it an economical choice for long-term ownership. The combined cycle consumption is rated at an impressive 39.9 US mpg (5.9 l/100 km), with extra-urban driving potentially yielding up to 47 US mpg (5 l/100 km). Urban driving, despite its inherent challenges, still achieves a commendable 31.4 US mpg (7.5 l/100 km). With CO2 emissions of 139 g/km, the vehicle meets the Euro 5 emission standard, reflecting its commitment to environmental performance. The generous 18.49 US gallon (70 liter) fuel tank provides a substantial cruising range, making it highly suitable for extended journeys without frequent refueling stops.
Design and Features
The 2013 facelift of the Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon brought a more refined and contemporary aesthetic to the already sleek sedan. The exterior received significant updates, including a wider, lower grille that gave the front fascia a more assertive look, revised headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights for improved visibility and modern appeal, and restyled taillights that gave the rear a broader, more premium appearance. These changes aimed to give the Insignia a more sophisticated road presence and bring its design in line with Vauxhall’s evolving, more dynamic design language, ensuring it remained fresh and competitive in a crowded market segment.
As a four-door sedan (known as a Saloon in European terminology), the Insignia I Saloon offers comfortable seating for five occupants, emphasizing both practicality and passenger comfort. Its dimensions are substantial for a mid-size car, measuring 190.63 inches (4842 mm) in length, 73.07 inches (1856 mm) in width (extending to 82.05 inches or 2084 mm including mirrors), and 58.98 inches (1498 mm) in height. The generous 107.76-inch (2737 mm) wheelbase contributes significantly to a stable and composed ride, as well as providing ample interior space for both front and rear passengers, ensuring comfort on longer trips.
Inside, the facelifted Insignia featured a redesigned center console, updated infotainment systems, and higher-quality materials, all aimed at elevating the cabin’s perceived luxury and user-friendliness. While specific infotainment details are not provided in the technical data, the general trend for this era was toward larger color touchscreens, improved connectivity options such as Bluetooth and USB, and more intuitive controls for climate and audio functions. The focus was on creating an ergonomic and pleasant environment, reducing driver distraction while enhancing passenger enjoyment.
Practicality is a strong point for the Insignia, making it a versatile vehicle for families or individuals requiring significant cargo space. It boasts a substantial trunk capacity ranging from 17.66 cubic feet (500 liters) with all seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 35.84 cubic feet (1015 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexibility allows for easy accommodation of luggage, groceries, or larger items. The curb weight of 3463.46 lbs (1571 kg) reflects its solid build quality and the inclusion of various comfort, convenience, and safety features.
In terms of chassis and safety, the Insignia is well-equipped to provide a secure and comfortable driving experience. It features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with an independent multi-link rear suspension. This sophisticated setup provides a balanced ride, expertly combining comfort over various road surfaces with confident and predictable handling. Braking power is robustly provided by ventilated discs at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced control during emergency stops. The vehicle rides on 225/55 R17 tires, mounted on 17-inch wheel rims, ensuring adequate grip, responsive steering, and a comfortable ride quality.
Technical Specifications
| Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Insignia |
| Generation | Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i Turbo ecoTEC (170 Hp) Start/Stop |
| Start of production | 2013 year |
| End of production | 2017 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 219 km/h (136.08 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp (108.2 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm (165.5 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Power per liter | 106.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1650-4250 rpm (191.77 lb-ft @ 1650-4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
Engine
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