Test Opel Insignia 1.5 Diesel: Nagelsmann instead of Kloppo

In the autumn of its career, the Opel Insignia dares to fit a three-cylinder diesel under the hood. Bold enough for us to request (perhaps) the last diesel for a test to see if the absence of a fourth cylinder delivers corresponding savings results. Many other manufacturers prescribe complex 48-volt technology for their diesel engines to save a few more tenths. Our experience with this technology – even in petrol engines: a lot of effort for relatively little return.

Three-cylinder Diesel: Less friction, less weight, less consumption?

It's easier to leave out a cylinder and save on costs, parts, and friction, as well as 100 kilograms compared to the four-cylinder – which is why GM prefers the three-cylinder over 48-volt technology. Right after pressing the start button, it becomes clear: It seems more like Julian Nagelsmann has trained the horses under the hood rather than Klopp, as the three-cylinder starts up unabashedly. It then accelerates joyfully, but not excessively: The maximum 300 Nm of torque is fully available between 1,750 and 2,500 revolutions, and the 122 horsepower is ready at 3,250 revolutions. Once warmed up, its manners become smoother.

Smooth is also the general demeanor of the Insignia, which still scores with plenty of space, well-tuned suspension, and good operability. The professional appearance of the Insignia remains pleasing, securing it a place in fleets, although it also suffers under the pressure of SUVs. Nevertheless, those who cover long distances and sometimes travel faster will find the Insignia Sports Tourer a fuel-efficient and elegant loadmaster. But how fuel-efficient can the three-cylinder be driven?

In our test, we achieved 5.6 l/100 km mainly due to city consumption of 7.3 l/100 km, which is quite good for such a large car, though it was not an absolute surprise in terms of consumption – especially since, in our experience, the four-cylinder and its competitors can (almost) be just as fuel-efficient. Interestingly, on our rural roads and highway section, as well as on longer routes by colleagues, the Opel steadfastly maintained 5.4 l/100 km! A 936-kilometer long-distance trip, with hardly more than 100 km/h average speed possible, allowed another colleague to train the Insignia down to 5.3 l/100 km. What the three-cylinder dislikes: Annoying stop-and-go traffic: Then the large Opel becomes a frustration drinker, while on country roads it could get close to 5.0 l/100 km. The four, however, is just as hard to reach as the eight before the decimal point, unless you drive aggressively in the city or have a free highway for a longer time.

At 1,630 kg, the Insignia is now one of the lighter weights among mid-size sedans – here, the three-cylinder also helps. This makes the Insignia 1.5 Diesel the cheapest model in the range, which can be crucial for fleets and bargain hunters – although the 174 hp diesel offers significantly more driving comfort and sovereignty at almost identical consumption. However, in terms of cost, the three-cylinder performed very well, achieving an economical 0.38 euros per kilometer. So, at the end of the test, we say: Well done, Opel!

The prices for the “Edition” officially start at 36,250 euros with a 6-speed manual transmission (which is 30,462.19 euros net) and at 38,530 euros for the eight-speed automatic (32,378.16 euros net). The Elegance costs 38,720 (32,537.82 euros net) or 41,000 euros (34,453.79 euros) – however, the 174 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel costs only 700 euros more gross – but is not available as an Edition.

Technical Data:

Three-cylinder diesel engine, 1,496 cm³, 90 kW (122 hp) / 3,250 rpm, 300 (285 with automatic) Nm / 1,750-2,500 rpm, LxWxH: 4,897x2093 (with mirrors)x1,455 mm, wheelbase: 2,829 mm, 62-l tank, 490-1,450 l trunk, empty weight test car (fully fueled, including 80-kg driver): 1,627 kg

Measurements:

Elasticity 50-80/80-120 km/h: 3.9/9.4 sec., Acceleration 0-60/0-80/0-100 km/h: 5.6/8.0/11.9 sec.

Noise level at 30/50/60/80/100/120 km/h: 49.7/52.3/53.4/61.4/66.3/67.2 dB(A)

Consumption test round (159.0 km): City: 7.3 l/100 km, Country: 5.4 l/100 km, Highway: 5.4 l/100 km, Total: 5.6 l/100 km

Cost per kilometer (30,000 km/year, 36 months all-in leasing): 0.38 euros/km

What does this mean?

For those who find the "Basic Edition" equipment sufficient, significant savings can be made, as it is only available for the three-cylinder. In the higher trims, the much smoother 4-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel with 174 hp costs "only" 700 euros more gross. Its higher consumption is manageable, but the running smoothness and punch better suit the relaxed Insignia.