Opel Insignia Tourer Select 2.0 CDTi 2012 review
Test Drive

Opel Insignia Tourer Select 2.0 CDTi 2012 review

The Opel Insignia Tourer is aimed directly at models such as the Peugeot 508, Passat wagon, Citroen C5 Tourer, Mondeo wagon, and even the Hyundai i40 wagon. Not to mention the new-generation Mazda6 wagon, due early next year. So what has Opel done to lure buyers?

Price and equipment

Topping the Opel Aussie lineup is this mid-size car, an Insignia Select diesel station wagon called the Sports Tourer. It retails for $48,990, but if you don't want the whole luxury kit, there's another one just like it under the skin for $41,990.

The Select trim offers a wide range of features, including a set of bright 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery with retractable front seat cushions (also heated and ventilated), auto-dimming adaptive bi-xenon lighting and satellite navigation, the latter being optional on everyone else. Opels are sold here.

Inside, you'll also find a Bluetooth phone, a seven-speaker audio system, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, an electric parking brake, and sports pedals. Obviously there are many more.

Safety and comfort

The Insignia receives a five-star Euro NCAP rating, including six airbags and stability control. It also features seats designed in accordance with the German Back Health Association. They are excellent. The exterior styling features a beautiful front end and a really attractive rear end design with a large tailgate and integrated taillights.

They even installed extra safety lights in the back when the tailgate is up.

Design

Cargo capacity is great in a vehicle that isn't as big on the outside as some of the competition. Fold down the rear seats and you can throw anything in there. We love the LED daytime running lights and the tinted privacy glass on the rear windows. We don't like saving space.

Mechanical and drive

They really made it sporty with a stiffer suspension, lower ride height and quick steering response, and the turbodiesel engine has a lot of kick at idle.

It is good for 118 kW/350 Nm of power and consumes 6.0 liters of fuel per 100 km. The engine isn't the smoothest or quietest diesel we've ever driven, but it's certainly fit to get started and also meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

The six-speed automatic provides the appropriate gear for the engine and provides smooth up and down shifts in range, but there is no paddle shifter.

Verdict

The Insignia is good in every way: performance, safety, performance, style, driving feel, although some might think the suspension is too stiff.

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