The new generation of the Opel Insignia is already here. The market for sedans and large sedans is so saturated that it is difficult to surprise. Within these segments, brands tend to err on the side of conformism and take a little risk when it comes to renewing their range of models.
The designs may be updated and the equipment may improve, but the essence of three-volume cars remains unchanged. There are hardly a handful of brave people who dare to redefine the concept of sedans, but the truth is that the results are very promising.
Opel belongs to these brave manufacturers that are not satisfied with what the new car market marks. The German firm always tries to renew its range of models, adapting it to a modern design and efficient mechanics.
Such is the quality of its recent cars that it is closer to the premium brands than to the rest of the general firms. After the Rüsselsheimers withdrew the Opel Vectra, the sedan segment had been neglected.
Only the Opel Astra Sedan could get close by its shape, but its dimensions were small. So they got to work, and after much effort, their new model, the Opel Insignia Grand Sport, saw the light.
This is the second generation of the Opel Insignia, a sedan capable of outdoing others in higher segments thanks to its efficient engines and revolutionary design. This is our test of the Opel Insignia Grand Sport.
The dimensions of the Opel Insignia are as follows: it has a length of 4.89 meters, a width of 1.86 meters, and a height of 1.45 meters. The station wagon variant of the Opel Insignia only grows a few centimeters from the sedan. As alternatives to the Opel Insignia, there are models such as the Volkswagen Passat, KIA Optima, or the Renault Talisman.
The design of the new Opel Insignia
When it comes to car design, Opel has gone the extra mile and turned its new Insignia into a unique car. The design of the Opel Insignia is much more attractive, if possible than the previous one.
It has longer and sharper lines, which practically run along the entire side of the car. The front has been redesigned to give it a much more dynamic and aggressive look. So much so, that it seems that it is going to sink into the ground.
On the side of the new Insignia, there is also an aerodynamic molding that reduces wind resistance from the door handles, which makes the car have much less friction with the air. The entire side tends to take the form of a coupé saloon, something that is captivating to the eye.
The rear of the car is tremendously conceptual and maintains the style of the rest of the bodywork.
In addition to the saloon variant, Opel also markets a wagon trim called the Insignia Sports Tourer, which surprisingly easily maintains the car’s beautiful design despite gaining in cargo space and versatility. Here is our review of the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer.
Opel Insignia engines and specifications
The Opel Insignia engine range includes six different propellants, three gasoline, and as many diesels. The gasoline engines of the Opel Insignia begin with a small engine of one and a half liters of displacement that marks the access to the range.
It includes a turbo system and offers 140 hp of power. The intermediate propellant is in charge of a block with the same displacement and is also turbocharged, but in this case, it reaches up to 165 CV. These two engines come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Finally, the most powerful gasoline engine for the Insignia is a two-liter turbo that offers two steps of power: a generous 210 hp or 260 hp. This particular block is combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.
The diesel engines of the Opel Insignia, meanwhile, start with a 110 hp 1.6 CDTI engine, a somewhat low power for the car we are talking about. Next, the intermediate propeller is placed, which with the same displacement as the previous one incorporates a turbo that takes it up to 136 CV.
Finally, the most powerful diesel variant mounts a 170 hp 2.0 CDTI engine, becoming the best option for this car and this type of fuel.
All the engines available for the second generation of the Opel Insignia have been redesigned to adapt to the new European regulations on fuel consumption and emissions.
Hence, they achieve commendable performance, keeping fuel consumption within very reasonable values. The least ‘greedy’ engine of all is the 136 hp diesel. The consumption of the Opel Insignia with this motorization, in a combined cycle, remains below four liters of fuel for every hundred kilometers traveled.
On the opposite side of the scale would be the 2.0 Turbo gasoline engine and 260 hp, which would exceed eight and a half liters. Even so, this consumption of the Opel Insignia results from the combination of this engine with an automatic transmission, which always raises the data somewhat.
As for the rest of the car’s mechanical elements, we must highlight the combination possibilities that exist between the different engines and the manual and automatic gearbox systems, which have been reviewed and adjusted to be less abrupt and more efficient.
Great value for money for the new Insignia
When assessing the equipment of the Opel Insignia, we must highlight a large number of latest-generation systems that this car incorporates. Even in its most basic versions, the lightning brand saloon has several electronic elements for driving assistance that considerably improves safety.
Likewise, the infotainment system has been redesigned and now has numerous connectivity options, features that had already been seen in the most recent models of the firm.
The price of the Opel Insignia starts at 25,700 euros, a cost higher than that of other equivalent models but still below what a similar vehicle from a luxury brand can cost.
The most luxurious versions of the new Opel Insignia 2018 can exceed 40,000, but they guarantee a level of equipment and performance far above their direct rivals.
An interior designed for comfort
The interior of the Opel Insignia is spacious and comfortable. It allows accommodating five passengers with total comfort, without any space being scarce. The most exclusive Opel Insignia finishes have numerous systems for the comfort of the occupants while increasing the luxurious appearance of the car.
The driving position is extremely comfortable and functional. It has very complete equipment, including the most advanced safety and driving assistance systems.
Also included is the Opel OnStar emergency warning system in the event of a serious accident and multimedia equipment that allows various connectivity options and offers a high-speed Wi-Fi connection.
The second-generation Opel Insignia is the perfect combination of dynamism, functionality, luxury, and elegance. Nothing in this car indicates that we are not dealing with a premium brand car, which is always a plus.
Everything in the new Insignia is as it should be. Even its price, less than 30,000 euros, make it attractive. This car will revolutionize the sedan segment and will show that it is up to its best rivals.
