Overview

Released in October 2012, the Opel Insignia was available as a mid-size sedan or wagon (‘Sports Tourer’). Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the front-wheel drive Insignia was available with 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol and turbo-diesel engines (the 2.0 Turbo and 2.0 CDTi variants, respectively); a six-speed automatic transmission was fitted as standard. Furthermore, the Insignia range consisted of standard and better-equipped ‘Select’ editions.

Dimensions

The Insignia sedan was 4830 mm long, 2084 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 2737 mm wheelbase. The Sports Tourer wagon was 78 mm taller (at 4908 mm) and 22 mm taller (1520 mm), though other dimensions were unchanged. Cargo capacity was 1030 litres for the Sports Tourer, though this increased to 1530 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

Suspension

The Insignia was based on General Motors’ Epsilon II platform which also underpinned the Holden Malibu . As such, the Insignia was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. While models with petrol engines had hydraulic power steering, the turbo-diesel models had electric power steering to minimise fuel consumption.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Opel Insignia included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters. The standard Insignia was fitted with two-way active front seat head restraints, while Select editions were fitted with four-way active head restraints.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Insignia received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate and all other regions were rated as good, while maximum points were awarded n the side impact test. In the more severe pole test, protection of the chest was adequate while all other body regions were rated as good.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , the Insignia received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.16 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the Opel Insignia included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 97W tyres, a seven speaker audio system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Siena leather trim, heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, power-operated park brake, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, alarm and immobiliser.

The Insignia Select was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 98Y tyres and sports suspension, a premium audio system with SD card reader, satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour display, contoured front sports seats, a six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, perforated Sienta leather trim, ventilated front seats, bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers and piano black interior trim. Sedan models were also fitted with a rear lip spoiler. The xenon headlights also included an Adaptive Forward Lighting (‘AFL+’) system which automatically adapted to weather and driving conditions.

All Insignia models were fitted with a space-saver spare wheel.

Brochure

• Brochure: Opel Insignia (September 2012)

Related links

• Technical Data: Opel Insignia (July 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Opel Insignia

2015 Holden Insignia VXR

Overview

Released in Australia in June 2015, the Holden Insignia VXR was a mid-size, performance sedan. Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the all-wheel drive Holden Insignia VXR was powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Upon its launch, the Insignia VXR had a manufacturer’s list price of $51,990 (excluded on-road costs such as stamp duty, dealer delivery, registration and, where required, CTP insurance.

LP9 Turbo V6 engine

Like the closely-related Opel Insignia OPC , the Insignia VXR was powered by General Motors’ 2792 cc LP9 V6 petrol engine which had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, a twin-scroll MHI turbocharger which provides maximum boost pressure of 0.9 bar (13 psi), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder (including sodium-filled exhaust valves), variable intake and exhaust valve control, twin individual variable inlet manifolds and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

The Insignia VXR’s engine required 98 RON premium unleaded petrol. Over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, fuel consumption was 11.3 litres per 100 km.

It is understood that the Insignia VXR can accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.

Dimensions

Compared to the VF Commodore , the Insignia VXR was 105 mm shorter (at 4842 mm), 13 mm taller (1484 mm) and had a 178 mm shorter wheelbase (2737 mm).

Suspension

The Insignia VXR had ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Compared to conventional MacPherson struts, HiPerStruts had reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length to reduce camber loss when cornering and reduce torque steer reactions.

As standard, the Insignia VXR’s suspension included General Motors’ ‘FlexRide’ system which continuously monitored the roll, pitch and yaw of the vehicle, adjusting damping rates on each wheel to optimise ride and handling. The FlexRide dampers contained magnetorheological fluid which consisted of magnetic particles suspended in a synthetic fluid. When an electric current was applied to the fluid, it created a magnetic field that changed the direction of the magnetic particles within the fluid and, hence, the flow rate of the fluid.

FlexRide enabled the driver to select from three pre-configured settings – Standard, Sport and VXR – which also adjusted throttle response, gearshift mapping, the level of power steering assistance and the willingness of the AWD system (detailed below) to transfer torque to the rear wheels.

Steering

The Insignia VXR had electric power-assisted steering.

AWD system

As per the Saab 9-3 Turbo X , the Insignia VXR had a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. In normal conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. As a pro-active all-wheel drive system, however, electronics could pre-tension the clutch and activate all-wheel drive before wheel slip occurred. Furthermore, the electronic limited slip rear differential (eLSD) could transfer up to 40 per of the available torque between the rear wheels – to whichever wheel had more grip – in order to generate a yaw effect.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Insignia VXR included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

As standard, the Insignia VXR was also fitted with the following safety technologies:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): maintained vehicle speed and used a radar sensor to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead. If the Insignia VXR were to approach the pre-selected distance to the vehicle ahead, the brakes would be automatically applied to maintain that distance;
• Forward Collision Alert (FCA): used the same radar as the ACC to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead. If the distance rapidly decreases such that a collision was considered a risk, audible and visual warnings would be issued;
• Auto Emergency Braking (AEB): in the event that the driver did not respond to the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) warnings, AEB could apply the brakes autonomously to prevent or reduce the severity of any subsequent collision;
• Lane Change Alert (LCA): Lane Change Alert used a rear facing radar with a range of up to seventy (70) metres to detect and warn of approaching vehicles in the left or right parallel lanes. If the driver indicated to change lanes and a vehicle is approaching from behind – in the right or left lanes – or is in the driver’s blind spot, a visual signal would be displayed in the respective door mirror;
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): could detect if the Insignia VXR crossed lane markings with the driver having previously activated the indicators. To alert the driver, audible and visual warnings would be issued;
• Blind Spot Alert: used the rear facing radar to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver indicated to change lanes and a vehicle is approaching from behind – in the right or left lanes – or is in the driver’s blind spot, a visual signal would be displayed in the respective door mirror; and,
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: could detect and warn of approaching traffic that may cross the vehicle’s path as the driver was reversing.

Brakes

The Insignia VXR was fitted with 355 mm by 32 mm cross-drilled front brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the 2009 Opel Insignia – on which the Insignia VXR was based – received a five star safety rating, including a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, chest protection for the driver was rated as adequate and all other regions were rated as good, while maximum points were awarded in the side impact test. In the more severe pole test, protection of the chest was adequate while all other body regions were rated as good.

Features: Insignia VXR

Standard features for the Insignia VXR included 20-inch five spoke alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR20 97Y tyres, a seven speaker sound system with digital radio (DAB+), MP3-compatibility, a CD player and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod/SD card reader), Holden’s ‘MyLink’ infotainment system with an eight-inch touch screen, satellite navigation and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice control, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, Recaro front sports seats, perforated Siena leather seat trim, eight-way power adjustable and heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking and proximity key, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors with passenger-side tilting on reverse, power folding mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, driver’s seat memory settings, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, an electric park brake, push-button start, 12 volt power outlet, carpet mats, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The bi-xenon headlights included an Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) feature which used a forward-facing camera to adjust the beams to the driving conditions by selecting from nine different modes; AFL+ could also activate and dip the high beams automatically.

Paint colours

The Insignia VXR was available in Summit White, Carbon Flash Black, Arden Blue and Silver Lake paint finishes; the latter three finishes were deemed ‘Prestige paint’ finishes and cost an additional $550.

Brochure

• Holden Insignia VXR Brochure (June 2015)

Related links

• Holden.com.au: Holden Insignia VXR
• Holden Media: Holden Cascada Convertible to Debut in Australia in 2015; Joined by Astra and Insignia (May 2014)
• Behind the Wheel: 2015 Holden Insignia VXR Review
• Wikipedia.org: Opel Insignia

Recalls: Opel Insignia

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Opel Insignia

• In July 2014, a recall was issued for Opel Insignia vehicles that were manufactured from 14 December 2012 to 27 June 2013. In these vehicles, the owners’ manual did not contain some specific information required for Australia, such as child restraint loading precautions. To rectify this problem, Holden was to send owners an updated manual (via registered post). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range W0LGS5ED0C1093505 to W0LGX5EG7D1118171 (PRA 2014/14209).

Problems and faults: Opel Insignia

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Power steering pressure pipe

In October 2011, Vauxhall issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for Vauxhall Insignia vehicles (sold in Europe and Australia as the Opel Insignia) that had turbo-diesel engines and were manufactured in 2009 and 2010. As such, Australian-delivered Opel Insignias are not believed to be subject to this problem. According to the TSB, the power steering pressure pipe was susceptible to cracks or leaks; if this occurred, power steering fluid could leak into the engine bay and pose a fire hazard. Rather than issue a recall, Vauxhall initiated a ‘service action’ whereby the power steering pressure pipe and clip were replaced when the vehicle was serviced.

Recalls: Holden Insignia VXR

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Holden Insignia VXR

No recall information is available for the Holden Insignia VXR. To search for recalls of Holden models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Holden.

Problems and faults: Holden Insignia

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Steering wheel vibrations

For the Insignia VXR, brake pad material could be deposited unevenly on the surface of the brake discs, causing vibrations through the steering wheel when braking. In the UK, where the equivalent vehicle was sold as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR, Vauxhall undertook to replace the front brake pads and brake discs if the mileage was less than 20,000 miles (i.e. 32,000 kms).

Steering wheel noise

For the Vauxhall Insignia VXR, there have been reports of intermittent whining or groaning noises when the steering wheel is turned, generally during low-speed manoeuvres. There have been instances where replacement of the power steering pump, pipes and steering rack have fixed the problem and others where it has not. One owner has reported that the groaning noise was fixed when new steering arms and track rod ends were fitted. The cause of the noise has not been identified, although one theory is that it is attributable to the steering pipes ‘resonating’ as a result of fluid passing through them.

Headlights too high

For the Vauxhall Insignia VXR, there have been complaints that the headlights are set too high and can shine into the eyes of other drivers. The height of the headlights can be adjusted.

Released in October 2012, the Opel Insignia was available as a mid-size sedan or wagon (‘Sports Tourer’). Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the front-wheel drive Insignia was available with 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol and turbo-diesel engines (the 2.0 Turbo and 2.0 CDTi variants, respectively); a six-speed automatic transmission was fitted as standard. Furthermore, the Insignia range consisted of standard and better-equipped ‘Select’ editions… Read full Opel Insignia review

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Released in Australia in June 2015, the Holden Insignia VXR was a mid-size, performance sedan. Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the all-wheel drive Holden Insignia VXR was powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission…. Read full Holden Insignia review

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Euro NCAP: 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi – crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the Opel Insignia received a five star safety rating, including a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. For more information about this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

CarBuyer: 2010 Vauxhall Insignia review

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In the UK, the Opel Insignia was sold as the Vauxhall Insignia.

CarBuyer: 2013 Vauxhall Insignia Tourer review

AutoExpress: Opel Insignia, VW Mk.6-II Passat and Ford MC Mondeo

Euro NCAP: 2009 Opel Mk.1 Insignia 2.0 CDTi – crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the closely-related2009 Opel Insignia received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. For more information about this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.