Opel Insignia

Opel Insignia
Company type	Automobile model
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Opel Vectra, Opel Signum
Founded	2008
Defunct	2022
Headquarters	Rüsselsheim, Germany
Products	Automobiles (D-segment large family car)

Opel Insignia

The Opel Insignia is a D-segment large family automobile manufactured by the German automaker Opel between 2008 and 2022. Positioned as the brand's premier model above the Astra and Corsa, it consolidated the roles of both the Signum and Vectra into a singular nameplate. The Insignia was offered in multiple body configurations, including a four-door sedan/saloon, a five-door liftback, and a five-door station wagon/estate.

Across different markets, the vehicle was marketed under various badges: in the United Kingdom, it was sold as the Vauxhall Insignia. In North and South America as well as China, it appeared as the Buick Regal, with ongoing sales in China. In Chile, the model was introduced as an Opel Insignia rather than the initially intended Chevrolet Vectra. The second generation was rebadged by GM Australia as the Holden Commodore until both the model and Holden brand ceased production in 2020.

The Insignia was constructed on General Motors’ Epsilon II platform and assembled at Opel’s Adam Opel AG factory located in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Meanwhile, SAIC-GM handled production of the Buick Regal variant exclusively for the Chinese market from Shanghai. Sales of the Vauxhall Insignia concluded in the UK in 2022.

History

In December 2006, Vauxhall declared the discontinuation of the Vectra nameplate. Carl-Peter Forster, then-president of General Motors Europe, characterized the forthcoming model as "a radical departure" from its predecessor, which led to adopting the new name Insignia, officially announced in late 2007.

Opel intended for the Insignia to regain market segments previously held by its executive-class predecessor, the Opel Omega.

First generation (G09; 2008)

The Insignia made its debut as the Vauxhall Insignia during the 2008 British International Motor Show and became available at European dealerships in October 2008 for the 2009 model year. Initially launched as a five-door liftback and estate (branded Sports Tourer), this marked a departure from Opel’s traditional "Caravan" designation for estates. It was also notable for being the first production car built on GM's Epsilon II platform, shared with vehicles such as the 2010 Saab 9-5 and Chevrolet Malibu.

Compared to its predecessor, this generation offered an additional 30 millimeters of knee room. The saloon and liftback measured 4.83 meters in length, while the estate version extended slightly to 4.91 meters; all variants shared a wheelbase of 2.73 meters.

This iteration introduced updated brand emblems for both Opel and Vauxhall; notably, Vauxhall abandoned its signature "V" grille design used since 1994 to more closely align with Opel’s corporate identity.

Several pioneering safety technologies were introduced on this model, including:

Advanced adaptive Forward Lighting featuring bi-xenon gas discharge headlights capable of adjusting beam width, direction, and range dynamically. These were complemented by LED daytime running lights and sensors that responded to varying traffic and weather conditions.
Opel Eye—a dual-purpose front-facing camera system that monitored lane markings to provide lane departure warnings while also recognizing traffic signs to alert drivers. This system was groundbreaking as the first production vehicle to integrate camera-based traffic sign recognition alongside lane monitoring.

A limited edition run of 17 Insignia OPCs underwent modification by Erich Bitter into what became known as the "Bitter Insignia." These featured a distinctive front-end design, exterior enhancements, and an upgraded interior finished predominantly in leather replacing most plastic components. Powertrain options were limited exclusively to the 2.8 Turbo engine.

OPC

At the beginning of 2009, Opel launched the Insignia OPC, a performance-oriented model equipped with a 2.8-litre single-turbocharged V6 engine produced in Melbourne, Australia. This powerplant generates and , with peak torque accessible from 2,000 rpm. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox and incorporates Saab's Haldex active all-wheel-drive system.

The OPC model is fitted with a unique front suspension setup known as HiPerStrut, a variation of the MacPherson strut designed to minimize torque steer. It also includes an electronic limited slip differential on the rear axle and Opel's adaptive FlexRide suspension system, which offers three selectable modes: OPC, Sport, and Normal. Additionally, an OPC variant of the Sports Tourer wagon was introduced. In April 2011, Opel unveiled the Insignia OPC Unlimited edition, which eliminated the speed limiter to boost performance capabilities.

Country Tourer

The Opel Insignia Country Tourer made its first appearance at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a station wagon with crossover-inspired styling, aimed at buyers looking for a blend of rugged aesthetics and practical versatility.

Facelift

In June 2013, Opel presented a comprehensive facelift that included refreshed exterior and interior designs, new engine options, and state-of-the-art safety features. This updated version debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show before becoming available later that year.

Enhancements featured a revamped cockpit with streamlined controls, dual eight-inch color displays, and a four-way infotainment interface controlled via a central touchpad, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands. Advanced driver assistance systems based on radar and camera technologies were introduced. Safety upgrades comprised full-speed adaptive cruise control, imminent collision braking, a rearview camera, lane change assistance, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

The second-generation Insignia was revealed in December 2016 under the new designation Insignia Grand Sport.

2008–2013

Upon its initial release, the Insignia offered four petrol engine options:

1.6 L (115 PS); 1.8 L (140 PS); 2.0 L Turbocharged (220 PS); 2.8 L V6 (260 PS) –

alongside three diesel engines from the Fiat/GM JTD family with a displacement of 2.0 litres:

2.0 L (110 PS); 2.0 L (130 PS); 2.0 L (160 PS).

In 2009, Opel expanded the range by adding a 1.6 L Turbo petrol engine delivering 180 PS, ecoFLEX diesel variants focused on reducing emissions, and high-performance OPC models. Starting September 2010, the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine became available with optional Adaptive 4x4 drive. The 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI diesel (195 PS), co-developed with Saab and offering front- or all-wheel drive configurations, entered production in 2012.

All engines came standard with six-speed manual transmissions; some were also available with automatic gearboxes. Diesel units progressively incorporated Start/Stop technology by 2011 to improve emissions; petrol engines adopted similar technology over time.

The ecoFLEX diesel variants maintained comparable output while lowering CO₂ emissions—for example, the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX models emitted only 114 g/km CO₂. The BiTurbo diesel produced slightly higher emissions at 129 g/km CO₂ but delivered enhanced performance.

Petrol engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	Year(s)
1.4 Turbo S/S	I4	1,364 cc	140 PS at 4,900–6000 rpm	200 Nm at 1850–4,900 rpm		2011–13
1.6 VVT	I4	1,598 cc	115 PS at 6,000 rpm	155 Nm at 4,000 rpm		2008–12
1.6 Turbo	I4	1,598 cc	180 PS at 5,500 rpm	230 Nm at 2,200–5,500 rpm
1.8 VVT	I4	1,796 cc	140 PS at 6,300 rpm	175 Nm at 3,800 rpm
2.0 Turbo	I4	1,998 cc	220 PS at 5,300 rpm	350 Nm at 2,000-4000 rpm		2008–13
2.0 Turbo 4x4	I4	1,998 cc	220–250 PS at 5,300 rpm	350–400 Nm at 2,000-3,600 rpm		2008–13
2.8T 4x4	V6	2,792 cc	260–325 PS at 5,500 rpm	350–435 Nm at 1,900–5,500 rpm	OPC/VXR versions	2008–13
Diesel engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	Year(s)
2.0 CDTI	I4	1,956 cc	110–160 PS at 4,000 rpm	260–350 Nm at 1,750–2,500 rpm
2.0 CDTI 4x4	I4	1,956 cc	160 PS at 4,000 rpm	350 Nm at 1,750–2,500 rpm		2010–13
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo (4x4)	I4	1,956 cc	195 PS at 4,000 rpm	400 Nm at 1,750–2,500 rpm		2012–13

2013–2017

The 2013 update brought a revised selection of engines, integrating existing units with refreshed and newly introduced powertrains. Diesel choices featured the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX equipped with Start/Stop functionality, offered in power outputs of 120 PS, 140 PS, and 163 PS, as well as a 195 PS BiTurbo variant. Additionally, a 130 PS non-ecoFLEX diesel was available solely paired with an automatic gearbox.

For petrol engines, the lineup included the proven 1.4 Turbo and 1.8 (dependent on market), complemented by the newly added 1.6 SIDI Turbo debuting in the Cascada model and the sophisticated 2.0 SIDI Turbo.

All variants were fitted standard with a six-speed manual transmission; however, a six-speed automatic was optionally offered for the 1.6 and 2.0 SIDI petrol engines and for the more powerful diesel versions (163 PS and 195 PS). Start/Stop technology was standard on all petrol and diesel engines except for the 130 PS version of the 2.0 CDTI.

In September 2014, Opel introduced a new family of large diesel engines, beginning with a 2.0 CDTI delivering 170 PS and 400 Nm of torque, as part of a broader plan to release seventeen new engine models between 2014 and 2018. This particular engine became available towards the end of 2014 or early 2015.

Petrol engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	CO₂ (g/km)	Year(s)
1.4 Turbo S/S	I4	1,362 cc	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1850–4,900 rpm		123
1.6 SIDI Turbo S/S	I4	1,598 cc	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4,250 rpm	260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) (overboost 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)) at 1,650–4,250 rpm		139
1.8 VVT	I4	1,796 cc	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,300 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm		164
2.0 SIDI Turbo S/S	I4	1,998 cc	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at 4,500 rpm	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500 rpm	A20NFT (used in Astra J GTC VXR/OPC)	169
Diesel engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	CO₂ (g/km)	Year(s)
1.6 CDTI	I4	1,598 cc	120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm		109-104	2015–17
1.6 CDTI	I4	1,598 cc	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 4,000 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm		104-99	2015–17
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S	I4	1,956 cc	120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) (overboost 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)) at 1,750–2,500 rpm		99	2013–15
2.0 CDTI	I4	1,956 cc	PS}\|kW hp} at 4,000 rpm	Nm}\|lbft} (overboost {{convert{320}\|Nm}\|lbft}) at 1,750–2,500 rpm	Only with Automatic transmission	119	2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S	I4	1,956 cc	PS}\|kW hp} at 4,000 rpm	Nm}\|lbft} (overboost {{convert{370}\|Nm}\|lbft}) at 1,750–2,500 rpm		99	2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S	I4	1,956 cc	PS}\|kW hp} at 4,000 rpm	Nm}\|lbft} (overboost {{convert{380}\|Nm}\|lbft}) at 1,750–2,500 rpm		114	2013–15
	2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S	I4	1,956 cc	{{convert{170}\|PS}\|kW hp} at 4,000 rpm	{{convert{400}\|Nm}\|lbft} at 1,750–2,500 rpm		114	2014–17
	2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo ecoFLEX S/S	I4	1,956 cc	{{convert{195}\|PS}\|kW hp} at 4,000 rpm	{{convert{400}\|Nm}\|lbft} at 1,750–2,500 rpm		125	2013–15

Awards

Since its introduction, the Opel Insignia has accumulated more than fifty accolades both nationally and internationally. These include honors such as 'Best Executive Car' in the UK and Slovenia, two-time recognition as 'Best Family Car' in Ireland, and the top choice for fleet customers across the UK, Austria, Denmark, and Portugal.

Awarded the 2009 European Car of the Year.
Earned a five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP.
In 2011, the German organization DEKRA recognized the Insignia for having the fewest defects within its category.
The following year, 2012, Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH (GTÜ) placed it first for used car quality.

Production and sales

Manufacturing commenced in late 2008 targeting key European markets. Early Vauxhall versions included trims such as Exclusiv, S, SE, SRi, Elite, and VXR. The Insignia rapidly gained traction in the UK market, ranking as the ninth best-selling vehicle in 2009—surpassing direct rival Ford Mondeo yet trailing behind premium competitor BMW 3 Series.

Trim options differed by region and expanded over time to incorporate Essentia, Edition, Sport, Cosmo, OPC, Business edition, Selection, Active, 150 years of Opel, and Innovation variants.

By August 2011, cumulative sales had exceeded 400,000 units; production of the 500,000th Insignia was recorded on 26 April 2012. Manufacturing concluded in April 2017 to allow for the launch of the second-generation Insignia.

Second generation (Z18; 2017)

Leaked images surfaced in December 2016, with the model making its official public debut at the International Motor Fair in Belgrade in March 2017 and an official unveiling on 26 June. Its design took inspiration from the 2013 Opel Monza Concept and marked the discontinuation of the traditional four-door sedan configuration.

Constructed on a revised GM Epsilon II platform, this generation was fully engineered by General Motors. Following Opel's acquisition by PSA Group (now Stellantis), production continued under licensing agreements.

The OPC performance designation was replaced with the GSi badge by Opel; Vauxhall also adopted GSi instead of VXR. Globally, this model is sold as the Holden Commodore ZB in Australia and New Zealand and marketed as the sixth-generation Buick Regal across American and Asian markets.

After a facelift in 2020, Europe retained only the 2.0-liter petrol engine option while introducing updated diesel engines that superseded previous versions.

In 2022, Vauxhall ceased Insignia sales amid a strategic pivot toward electric vehicles and shrinking demand within Europe's D-segment—a trend mirrored by manufacturers like Ford and Volkswagen. Opel also ended its production run that year. Although PSA initially intended to relaunch the Insignia as a crossover SUV for both brands by 2024, this plan did not come to fruition.

Under Stellantis ownership, models such as the Citroën C5 X and DS 9 now serve customers within Europe's D/E segments.

Engines

Petrol engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	CO₂ (g/km)	Year(s)
1.5 SIDI Turbo S/S	I4	1,490 cc	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 5,600 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500 rpm		133	2017–
1.5 SIDI Turbo S/S	I4	1,490 cc	165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) at 5,600 rpm	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500 rpm		136	2017–
2.0 SIDI Turbo S/S	I4	1,998 cc	260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 5,300 rpm	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–4,000 rpm	Holden Commodores limited to 350Nm to preserve V6 flagship status	197	2017–
3.6 SIDI LGX	V6	3,564 cc	320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) at 6,800 rpm	381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) at 5,200 rpm	Exclusive to Holden Commodore and Buick Regal GS	215	2018–
Diesel engines
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note(s)	CO₂ (g/km)	Year(s)
1.5 CDTI S/S	I3	1,496 cc	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 3,500 rpm	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,000 rpm		105	2020–
1.6 CDTI S/S	I4	1,598 cc	110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 3,500 rpm	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,000 rpm		105	2017–
1.6 CDTI S/S	I4	1,598 cc	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm	320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,250 rpm		114	2017–
2.0 CDTI S/S	I4	1,956 cc	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,750 rpm	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm		136	2017–
	2.0 CDTI BiTurbo S/S 4x4	I4	1,956 cc	210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 4,000 rpm	480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm		190	2017–

Holden Commodore (ZB)

In 2017, Holden announced the cessation of local Commodore manufacturing, shifting to a fully imported model while retaining the well-known badge in response to customer demand.

Unveiled on 6 December 2016, the ZB Commodore was essentially a redesigned Opel Insignia B, offering either four- or six-cylinder engines coupled with front-wheel or all-wheel drive—a notable departure from the traditional V8 engines and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Holden's choice to preserve the Commodore nameplate despite downsizing, elimination of the V8 option, and drivetrain alteration generated debate. While the intention was to leverage brand loyalty to sustain sales, some critics viewed it as a missed chance to elevate the sedan into a semi-premium market niche.

By April 2018, the ZB Commodore had the lowest resale value compared to its original purchase price among Australian vehicles.

Facing sluggish sales and a strategic pivot toward other market segments, Holden declared in December 2019 that production of the ZB Commodore would cease in early 2020, preceding General Motors' discontinuation of the Holden brand.

Buick Regal

In July 2023, the Buick Regal underwent a facelift tailored exclusively for the Chinese market, incorporating updates such as the introduction of the new triple shield emblem.

Motorsport

Thorney Motorsport introduced a Vauxhall Insignia VXR during the final round of the 2011 British Touring Car Championship as preparation for fielding a two-car team in 2012.

Only one vehicle participated across four rounds—piloted by John Thorne in rounds one and two, and Tony Gilham in rounds six and nine. Subsequently, Tony Gilham's Team HARD acquired both Insignias from Thorney Motorsport and entered one car in the final round of 2012.

In 2013, James Cole and Jack Goff competed with both cars under RCIB Insurance Racing. The team sold these Insignias to BMR for the 2014 season, where Goff and Warren Scott served as drivers. Due to limited performance competitiveness, Volkswagen CCs replaced the Insignias midway through that season.

Other rebranding

The Insignia launched in Chile in 2008 under the Chevrolet Vectra name. By 2013, it transitioned to carrying the Opel Insignia badge after Chevrolet branding was dropped.

Opel introduced the Insignia to the Australian market in August 2012; however, following Opel’s exit from Australia in 2013 due to poor sales figures, the model was discontinued. The Insignia reappeared in Australia and New Zealand in 2015 under Holden branding, positioned just below the Commodore lineup.

2003 Insignia concept

The Opel Insignia name was first applied to a concept vehicle unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a potential full-size luxury (F-segment) model for Opel planned for the mid-2000s.

Built on GM’s rear-wheel drive V platform shared with the VY Holden Commodore and Statesman, this concept featured a fastback five-door liftback body style. Power came from a 344 hp LS1 V8 engine sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette C5, mated to an innovative seven-speed automatic transmission.

The concept showcased multiple advanced features such as a configurable rear seating arrangement that could switch between five-passenger and a 2+2 layout with a central rear console; LED headlamps containing 405 LEDs; and an adaptable dashboard and center console equipped with air-conditioned storage compartments including a humidor. The rear sliding doors utilized pantographic hinges that eliminated external guide rails.

Primarily designed to demonstrate Opel’s future design language, production was never intended. By early 2005, Opel confirmed that weight and cost considerations prevented production. Nonetheless, elements from this concept influenced later General Motors models like the 2015 Buick Avenir concept (fastback/4-door coupe), the rear fascia of the 2008–2017 Opel Insignia/Buick Regal, roofline styling on the 2010–2016 Buick LaCrosse, and inspired liftback designs seen on the 2018 Insignia/Regal/Commodore models.

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