Introduction: The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi ecoTEC (160 Hp) Automatic
The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer represented a pivotal moment for the British automotive brand, stepping into the formidable shoes of the long-standing Vauxhall Vectra in the highly competitive European D-segment. Launched in 2008, the Insignia marked a distinct shift towards a more premium, sophisticated, and dynamically styled design philosophy for Vauxhall, mirroring its Opel twin on the European continent. The specific variant, the Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi ecoTEC (160 Hp) Automatic, embodied a crucial blend of efficiency, performance, and practicality that was essential for success in its class.
Produced from 2008 to 2013, this first-generation Insignia Sports Tourer was conceived to offer families and business users a stylish and capable station wagon. It combined a robust and economical diesel powertrain with a spacious, versatile, and well-appointed interior. Its introduction coincided with a period of growing demand for fuel-efficient yet powerful diesel engines across Europe, making the ecoTEC variant a particularly relevant and attractive offering in its primary markets, most notably the United Kingdom. The Insignia aimed to elevate Vauxhall’s image, providing a compelling alternative to established rivals through its modern engineering and appealing aesthetics.
Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer: Engineering for the European Market
Engine & Performance
At the core of the Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi ecoTEC (160 Hp) Automatic lies its advanced 2.0-liter CDTi ecoTEC diesel engine, internally designated by the A20DTH engine code. This inline-four cylinder unit, with a displacement of 1956 cubic centimeters (119.36 cubic inches), was meticulously engineered to achieve an optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. The engine benefits from a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and four valves per cylinder, facilitating efficient airflow and combustion. A sophisticated Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, while a turbocharger and intercooler significantly boost its performance capabilities.
This robust powertrain generates a healthy 160 horsepower at 4000 rpm. Critically for a diesel engine, it delivers a substantial 258.15 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque across a broad and highly usable rev range, from 1750 to 2500 rpm. This ample torque is instrumental for effortless acceleration, strong mid-range pull, and confident towing, making the Insignia a capable performer whether cruising on the highway or navigating urban environments. Power is efficiently transmitted to the front wheels through a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, designed to optimize both performance and fuel economy.
In terms of outright performance, the Insignia I Sports Tourer 2.0 CDTi ecoTEC proved to be quite capable for its class and size. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 9.0 seconds, with the 0 to 100 km/h sprint completed in 9.5 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed was rated at 129.87 mph (209 km/h), making it perfectly suited for sustained high-speed highway travel. The “ecoTEC” designation underscores Vauxhall’s commitment to environmental responsibility, with the engine meeting stringent Euro 5 emission standards and featuring a particulate filter to effectively reduce harmful emissions. Fuel economy was a significant selling point for this diesel variant, boasting a combined rating of 34.1 US mpg (6.9 l/100 km). Urban driving yielded 25.3 US mpg (9.3 l/100 km), while extra-urban cycles saw an impressive 44.4 US mpg (5.3 l/100 km), highlighting its efficiency on longer journeys and its suitability for fleet operators.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Insignia I Sports Tourer adopted a sleek, athletic, and dynamic design language, representing a clear departure from the more conservative lines of its Vectra predecessor. As a five-door station wagon, it seamlessly combined elegant aesthetics with significant practicality, a hallmark of European family cars. Its generous dimensions, measuring 193.23 inches (4908 mm) in length, 73.07 inches (1856 mm) in width (82.05 inches or 2084 mm including mirrors), and 59.84 inches (1520 mm) in height, endowed it with a substantial and commanding road presence. The long wheelbase of 107.76 inches (2737 mm) contributed not only to a stable and composed ride but also to a remarkably generous interior space for occupants.
The exterior design was not merely for aesthetics; with a relatively low drag coefficient of 0.30, the Insignia was engineered to be aerodynamically efficient.
