Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift ) 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (250 Hp) StartStop

Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013): A Detailed Overview

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) represents a significant refresh of Vauxhall’s flagship D-segment offering, a mid-size family sedan designed primarily for the European market. Launched in 2013, this iteration of the Insignia built upon the success of the original model introduced in 2008, bringing updated styling, enhanced technology, and improved powertrain options. As a key player in the competitive European executive sedan segment, the Insignia aimed to blend sophisticated design with practical functionality and efficient performance. This particular variant, the 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (250 Hp) Start/Stop, stood out as a potent yet relatively fuel-conscious option within the Insignia lineup, offering a compelling blend of power and modern efficiency features. While Vauxhall is a British marque, part of the wider General Motors (GM) family at the time, the Insignia platform was globally recognized, underpinning models such as the Opel Insignia in mainland Europe and the Buick Regal in the United States, providing a testament to its robust engineering and international appeal.

Engine and Performance: The 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (250 Hp) Start/Stop

At the heart of this specific Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (250 Hp) Start/Stop model lies a sophisticated 2.0-liter (1998 cm³ or 121.93 cu. in.) inline-four gasoline engine. This powerplant, designated with codes A20NHT or B20NHT, is a testament to modern engine design, featuring direct fuel injection, a turbocharger, and an intercooler to maximize power output and efficiency. With a bore and stroke of 86 mm (3.39 in.) each, this engine delivers an impressive 250 horsepower at 5300 rpm. Its robust torque output of 295.02 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) is available across a broad rev range, from 2500 to 4000 rpm, ensuring strong, accessible power for both city driving and highway cruising.

Power is channeled to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, offering an engaging driving experience for those who prefer full control. This powertrain architecture allows the Insignia to achieve a brisk acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds (calculated by Auto-Data.net), or 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 154.72 mph (249 km/h), highlighting its capability as a confident long-distance cruiser. Despite its performance credentials, the ecoTEC designation signifies a focus on environmental responsibility. The inclusion of a Start/Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it upon demand, contributes significantly to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in urban environments. The combined fuel economy is rated at 32.7 US mpg (7.2 l/100 km), with urban consumption at 23.3 US mpg (10.1 l/100 km) and extra-urban at 42.8 US mpg (5.5 l/100 km). This model adheres to the Euro 5 emission standard, reflecting its commitment to lower environmental impact.

Design and Features: Refined Aesthetics and Modern Comfort

The 2013 facelift brought a refreshed aesthetic to the Vauxhall Insignia, enhancing its already sleek and aerodynamic sedan body type. The exterior received subtle yet impactful changes, including redesigned headlamps and taillamps, a wider, lower grille, and updated chrome accents, giving it a more contemporary and premium appearance. With a length of 190.63 inches (4842 mm), a width of 73.07 inches (1856 mm), and a height of 58.98 inches (1498 mm), the Insignia Saloon maintained its commanding road presence. The 107.76-inch (2737 mm) wheelbase provided ample interior space for five occupants, making it a comfortable family or executive vehicle.

Inside, the facelifted Insignia benefited from a significantly updated cabin, featuring higher-quality materials, a redesigned center console, and an improved infotainment system. While specific infotainment details are not provided in the technical data, the era of this facelift typically saw the integration of larger touchscreens, navigation, and enhanced connectivity options. Safety was a paramount concern, and the Insignia, like its Opel and Buick counterparts, would have offered a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and potentially advanced driver-assistance systems depending on trim level. The vehicle’s suspension system, featuring an independent McPherson setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, provided a balanced ride quality, combining comfort with confident handling. Ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear ensured strong stopping power. The car rode on 225/55 R17 tires, mounted on 17-inch wheel rims, contributing to both its aesthetic and dynamic capabilities.

Practicality was also a strong suit, with a generous trunk space ranging from 17.66 cu. ft. (500 liters) to a maximum of 35.84 cu. ft. (1015 liters) with the rear seats folded. A fuel tank capacity of 18.49 US gallons (70 liters) allowed for extended driving ranges, complementing its efficient ecoTEC engine. The kerb weight of 3558.26 lbs. (1614 kg) contributed to a favorable weight-to-power ratio of 6.5 kg/Hp (154.9 Hp/tonne), underscoring its performance capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Vauxhall Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s product lineup, serving as its mainstream large family car and executive sedan in the United Kingdom. Its strategic position was to offer a compelling alternative to more premium German rivals while providing more space and refinement than popular mid-size offerings. In its primary European market, the Insignia competed fiercely with established players like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, and even entry-level models from BMW (3 Series) and Audi (A4). Its appeal lay in its sophisticated design, comfortable ride, comprehensive feature set, and competitive pricing.

The 2.0i Turbo ecoTEC (250 Hp) Start/Stop variant, in particular, carved out a niche for buyers seeking strong performance without sacrificing modern efficiency. This engine’s blend of power and the ecoTEC technologies, including the Start/Stop system, positioned it as a smart choice for both private owners and fleet operators looking to balance driving dynamics with running costs and environmental considerations. The Insignia’s global platform sharing with the Opel Insignia and the Buick Regal in North America further underscored its engineering soundness and ability to adapt to diverse market demands. In the US, the Buick Regal served as a more upscale, sport-oriented sedan, benefiting from the same robust architecture and many of the technological advancements seen in its European counterparts.

Over its production run from 2013 to 2017, the facelifted Insignia maintained Vauxhall’s reputation for building practical, well-equipped, and stylish vehicles. It was praised for its comfortable interior, refined highway manners, and the strong performance offered by its turbocharged engines. While the Insignia model line eventually transitioned to its second generation, the Insignia I Saloon (facelift 2013) remains a notable example of a modern European D-segment sedan that successfully combined performance, efficiency, and elegant design, leaving a lasting mark on its segment and reinforcing Vauxhall’s position in the competitive automotive landscape.