Opel Insignia 2.0 (A) Review
23 Apr 2010|37,808 views
But not because of its mundane looks. In fact I always thought the car looked really cool with the mirrors that had a continuous attachment with the body of the car rather than the usual 'out-the-A-pillar' growth that most others adopted.
My distaste for the car started when my Vice-Principal decided to buy one.
The sight of her maroon Vectra pulling into the carpark in the morning stirred the kind of emotional reaction you'd get if you were lactose intolerant and had polished off the mini pack of chocolate milk which you're friends repeatedly confirmed "hardly tasted like milk".
The other unfortunate recollection of the Opel Vectra I have was the various times I've seen the car on the road with at least one hub cap missing.
So, you'd understand my obvious interest in Opel's announcement for their Vectra replacement two years ago.
It probably wasn't the most popular car around but the Vectra, or rather the brand in general, has been struggling to enjoy a foothold in Singapore as a premium Euro brand. Even with the Meriva and the Zafira before it, Opel never really had a presence here.
My distaste for the car started when my Vice-Principal decided to buy one.
The sight of her maroon Vectra pulling into the carpark in the morning stirred the kind of emotional reaction you'd get if you were lactose intolerant and had polished off the mini pack of chocolate milk which you're friends repeatedly confirmed "hardly tasted like milk".
The other unfortunate recollection of the Opel Vectra I have was the various times I've seen the car on the road with at least one hub cap missing.
So, you'd understand my obvious interest in Opel's announcement for their Vectra replacement two years ago.
It probably wasn't the most popular car around but the Vectra, or rather the brand in general, has been struggling to enjoy a foothold in Singapore as a premium Euro brand. Even with the Meriva and the Zafira before it, Opel never really had a presence here.
 |
But I've got reason to believe the Insignia will be the game changer Opel has been waiting for in this part of the region.
Starting with the name, Opel has finally put a stop to the terrible practice of getting employee's to submit the weirdest names on their feedback form during lunch, and has settled on naming their latest export after a symbol or emblem that signifies a certain position. Pretty ambiguous but I'm kind of sure they were aiming for the "badge of distinction" description.
And it's 25 cm longer and five cm wider than the Vectra it replaces.
 |
Exterior
With a brand new design language that's set to smear itself all over Opel's future product range, the Insignia burns the trail with a design that looks handsome, yet old school at the same time.
You get that little taste of old world classiness with the rims paired up to the soft curves of either ends of the car, blended seamlessly with the new-age headlamp cluster with day-light running lamps.
For something that seems to have been modeled after the very stylish Passat CC from Volkswagen, the designers at Opel should be entitled to a day off each for softening up the CC's hard and aggressive sleek look for something a little more understated and mature.
Actually, I'm just thankful they didn't try to brand this thing as a coupe as well.
Viewed from the side, the "blade" side contour, as they call it, scars the car just behind the front tyre arch and gives the Insignia a pretty impressive improvement in design dept and the appearance of the car moving at standstill.
Even the rear has such handsome proportions.
Tail lamps look like a much nicer version found on the Chevrolet Cruze to an extent, but on closer look, proves its originality with the brands now signature "L" cornered cluster design. Even the day-light running lamps at the front are lighted up in that same way, making for a pretty ugly eye brow but a good first attempt at being original.
One thing that seems to stand out is the integrated boot lid spoiler that protrudes out more than it really should in my opinion.
Interior
And it's apparent the designers didn't just stop at the exterior with their wand waving.
With the entire front section of the dash designed as a flowing piece that flanks its way to the door panels at the sides, the cabin in the Insignia oozes class and sophistication that matches its German rivals easily. They call it the "wing" theme and Opel has also said it'll be dominant in their various models that will follow the Insignia.
With a brand new design language that's set to smear itself all over Opel's future product range, the Insignia burns the trail with a design that looks handsome, yet old school at the same time.
You get that little taste of old world classiness with the rims paired up to the soft curves of either ends of the car, blended seamlessly with the new-age headlamp cluster with day-light running lamps.
For something that seems to have been modeled after the very stylish Passat CC from Volkswagen, the designers at Opel should be entitled to a day off each for softening up the CC's hard and aggressive sleek look for something a little more understated and mature.
Actually, I'm just thankful they didn't try to brand this thing as a coupe as well.
Viewed from the side, the "blade" side contour, as they call it, scars the car just behind the front tyre arch and gives the Insignia a pretty impressive improvement in design dept and the appearance of the car moving at standstill.
Even the rear has such handsome proportions.
Tail lamps look like a much nicer version found on the Chevrolet Cruze to an extent, but on closer look, proves its originality with the brands now signature "L" cornered cluster design. Even the day-light running lamps at the front are lighted up in that same way, making for a pretty ugly eye brow but a good first attempt at being original.
One thing that seems to stand out is the integrated boot lid spoiler that protrudes out more than it really should in my opinion.
Interior
And it's apparent the designers didn't just stop at the exterior with their wand waving.
With the entire front section of the dash designed as a flowing piece that flanks its way to the door panels at the sides, the cabin in the Insignia oozes class and sophistication that matches its German rivals easily. They call it the "wing" theme and Opel has also said it'll be dominant in their various models that will follow the Insignia.
Settling down in the leather seats, your hands find their way around the dashboard, running fingers and prodding random sections of soft rubber and hard plastics that adorns the insides. Everything felt good as premium as they look except the plastics on the middle column that separates the driver from the front passenger.
Then your hands find themselves on the ergonomically styled steering wheel with it grooved at the two and ten 0'clock position, hinting at the cars sporty ambitions.
Past it though, your eyes catch the wonderfully detailed gauges behind the steering that seem to replicate the kind of dial surrounds that you sometimes find on watches. A very nice touch.
Then there's the thoughtful features like the electronic park brake, an audio mute button that other premium brands have on their steering, and a motion sensor off button between the ambient lights on top that lets you switch the sensor that constantly prompts you to get your seatbelt on, off.
Personally I wouldn't find any use in this but I have a feeling nearly half my friends (who don't belt up over very short distances or face cars that sometimes chirp for the belt to be put on even in 'Park') have finally found something more useful than cruise control in the motion sensor button.
Driving Impressions
With Singapore only getting the 2.0-litre petrol unit, the Insignia gets by with an impressive 220 hp that comes courtesy of a turbocharger. Although the power tops out at a high 5,300 rpm, the car really gets going from the 2,000 rpm mark all the way up to 4,000 rpm where all of the 350 Nm's of twist tops out.
But even before you get to the driving, I found it hard to find a comfortable position in the car's seating.
Opel has proudly proclaimed their car in having one of the most comfortable seats in the business, with their company being one of only two having been approved by the Aktion Gesunder Rucken (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomic experts and doctors in Germany.
I'm not refuting the seats comfort and adjustability level, but the steering wheel could have done with more rake in this instance. With me being blessed with longer limbs than a torso, I'm guessing my problem here isn't unique, but isn't enough to consider mainstream either.
Then your hands find themselves on the ergonomically styled steering wheel with it grooved at the two and ten 0'clock position, hinting at the cars sporty ambitions.
Past it though, your eyes catch the wonderfully detailed gauges behind the steering that seem to replicate the kind of dial surrounds that you sometimes find on watches. A very nice touch.
Then there's the thoughtful features like the electronic park brake, an audio mute button that other premium brands have on their steering, and a motion sensor off button between the ambient lights on top that lets you switch the sensor that constantly prompts you to get your seatbelt on, off.
Personally I wouldn't find any use in this but I have a feeling nearly half my friends (who don't belt up over very short distances or face cars that sometimes chirp for the belt to be put on even in 'Park') have finally found something more useful than cruise control in the motion sensor button.
Driving Impressions
With Singapore only getting the 2.0-litre petrol unit, the Insignia gets by with an impressive 220 hp that comes courtesy of a turbocharger. Although the power tops out at a high 5,300 rpm, the car really gets going from the 2,000 rpm mark all the way up to 4,000 rpm where all of the 350 Nm's of twist tops out.
But even before you get to the driving, I found it hard to find a comfortable position in the car's seating.
Opel has proudly proclaimed their car in having one of the most comfortable seats in the business, with their company being one of only two having been approved by the Aktion Gesunder Rucken (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomic experts and doctors in Germany.
I'm not refuting the seats comfort and adjustability level, but the steering wheel could have done with more rake in this instance. With me being blessed with longer limbs than a torso, I'm guessing my problem here isn't unique, but isn't enough to consider mainstream either.
 |
With the engine fading into an inaudible idle and the digital radio station (a revelation!) cranked up a notch, I was on my way through city traffic, on the expressway cruising and then onto 'B - roads' in the western part of our little Island, looking at how the car handled the different surfaces, it's shifting efficiency and suspension setup.
All of which the car passed with flying colours as the managed to get up to my desired cruising speed in sixth gear and the 'Sport' button located on the centre console firmed up the car's suspension and made what was a comfortable and undulation absorbing ride into a slightly firmer one. On 'Sport', the gear changes become more power biased, and you'll find the car in each gear all the way up into
Still, the Insignia really isn't the kind you'd thrash around on the way back home from supper on a deserted road, rather it's a comfort mobile - and that's apparent in the amount of body roll when taking corners fast.
They've got another setting as well, Tourer. That one's for the long trips you'd be taking up north and you want to be on the most comfortable setting.
All of which the car passed with flying colours as the managed to get up to my desired cruising speed in sixth gear and the 'Sport' button located on the centre console firmed up the car's suspension and made what was a comfortable and undulation absorbing ride into a slightly firmer one. On 'Sport', the gear changes become more power biased, and you'll find the car in each gear all the way up into
Still, the Insignia really isn't the kind you'd thrash around on the way back home from supper on a deserted road, rather it's a comfort mobile - and that's apparent in the amount of body roll when taking corners fast.
They've got another setting as well, Tourer. That one's for the long trips you'd be taking up north and you want to be on the most comfortable setting.
Should you buy it?
Of course you should.
Even if I said you shouldn't I'm pretty sure this car is going to do well.
You really can't find many faults with this car in my opinion. It looks great both inside and out, performs well enough and comes with the equipment you'd be used to in a similar Volkswagen.
So at $149,888 (inclusive of the COE, GST and six months road tax), the Opel Insignia trumps the equivalent but strictly four-seating Passat CC 2.0 TSI in price ($172,300) and the underpowered (only 156 bhp and 200 Nm of torque) BMW 320i at $182,800.
I think Opel just moved itself up a notch in the brand perception game.
If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend looking at either the mainstay Honda Accord 2.0 or even the Skoda Superb 1.8 Elegance.
Of course you should.
Even if I said you shouldn't I'm pretty sure this car is going to do well.
You really can't find many faults with this car in my opinion. It looks great both inside and out, performs well enough and comes with the equipment you'd be used to in a similar Volkswagen.
So at $149,888 (inclusive of the COE, GST and six months road tax), the Opel Insignia trumps the equivalent but strictly four-seating Passat CC 2.0 TSI in price ($172,300) and the underpowered (only 156 bhp and 200 Nm of torque) BMW 320i at $182,800.
I think Opel just moved itself up a notch in the brand perception game.
If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend looking at either the mainstay Honda Accord 2.0 or even the Skoda Superb 1.8 Elegance.
But not because of its mundane looks. In fact I always thought the car looked really cool with the mirrors that had a continuous attachment with the body of the car rather than the usual 'out-the-A-pillar' growth that most others adopted.
My distaste for the car started when my Vice-Principal decided to buy one.
The sight of her maroon Vectra pulling into the carpark in the morning stirred the kind of emotional reaction you'd get if you were lactose intolerant and had polished off the mini pack of chocolate milk which you're friends repeatedly confirmed "hardly tasted like milk".
The other unfortunate recollection of the Opel Vectra I have was the various times I've seen the car on the road with at least one hub cap missing.
So, you'd understand my obvious interest in Opel's announcement for their Vectra replacement two years ago.
It probably wasn't the most popular car around but the Vectra, or rather the brand in general, has been struggling to enjoy a foothold in Singapore as a premium Euro brand. Even with the Meriva and the Zafira before it, Opel never really had a presence here.
My distaste for the car started when my Vice-Principal decided to buy one.
The sight of her maroon Vectra pulling into the carpark in the morning stirred the kind of emotional reaction you'd get if you were lactose intolerant and had polished off the mini pack of chocolate milk which you're friends repeatedly confirmed "hardly tasted like milk".
The other unfortunate recollection of the Opel Vectra I have was the various times I've seen the car on the road with at least one hub cap missing.
So, you'd understand my obvious interest in Opel's announcement for their Vectra replacement two years ago.
It probably wasn't the most popular car around but the Vectra, or rather the brand in general, has been struggling to enjoy a foothold in Singapore as a premium Euro brand. Even with the Meriva and the Zafira before it, Opel never really had a presence here.
|
But I've got reason to believe the Insignia will be the game changer Opel has been waiting for in this part of the region.
Starting with the name, Opel has finally put a stop to the terrible practice of getting employee's to submit the weirdest names on their feedback form during lunch, and has settled on naming their latest export after a symbol or emblem that signifies a certain position. Pretty ambiguous but I'm kind of sure they were aiming for the "badge of distinction" description.
And it's 25 cm longer and five cm wider than the Vectra it replaces.
|
Exterior
With a brand new design language that's set to smear itself all over Opel's future product range, the Insignia burns the trail with a design that looks handsome, yet old school at the same time.
You get that little taste of old world classiness with the rims paired up to the soft curves of either ends of the car, blended seamlessly with the new-age headlamp cluster with day-light running lamps.
For something that seems to have been modeled after the very stylish Passat CC from Volkswagen, the designers at Opel should be entitled to a day off each for softening up the CC's hard and aggressive sleek look for something a little more understated and mature.
Actually, I'm just thankful they didn't try to brand this thing as a coupe as well.
Viewed from the side, the "blade" side contour, as they call it, scars the car just behind the front tyre arch and gives the Insignia a pretty impressive improvement in design dept and the appearance of the car moving at standstill.
Even the rear has such handsome proportions.
Tail lamps look like a much nicer version found on the Chevrolet Cruze to an extent, but on closer look, proves its originality with the brands now signature "L" cornered cluster design. Even the day-light running lamps at the front are lighted up in that same way, making for a pretty ugly eye brow but a good first attempt at being original.
One thing that seems to stand out is the integrated boot lid spoiler that protrudes out more than it really should in my opinion.
Interior
And it's apparent the designers didn't just stop at the exterior with their wand waving.
With the entire front section of the dash designed as a flowing piece that flanks its way to the door panels at the sides, the cabin in the Insignia oozes class and sophistication that matches its German rivals easily. They call it the "wing" theme and Opel has also said it'll be dominant in their various models that will follow the Insignia.
With a brand new design language that's set to smear itself all over Opel's future product range, the Insignia burns the trail with a design that looks handsome, yet old school at the same time.
You get that little taste of old world classiness with the rims paired up to the soft curves of either ends of the car, blended seamlessly with the new-age headlamp cluster with day-light running lamps.
For something that seems to have been modeled after the very stylish Passat CC from Volkswagen, the designers at Opel should be entitled to a day off each for softening up the CC's hard and aggressive sleek look for something a little more understated and mature.
Actually, I'm just thankful they didn't try to brand this thing as a coupe as well.
Viewed from the side, the "blade" side contour, as they call it, scars the car just behind the front tyre arch and gives the Insignia a pretty impressive improvement in design dept and the appearance of the car moving at standstill.
Even the rear has such handsome proportions.
Tail lamps look like a much nicer version found on the Chevrolet Cruze to an extent, but on closer look, proves its originality with the brands now signature "L" cornered cluster design. Even the day-light running lamps at the front are lighted up in that same way, making for a pretty ugly eye brow but a good first attempt at being original.
One thing that seems to stand out is the integrated boot lid spoiler that protrudes out more than it really should in my opinion.
Interior
And it's apparent the designers didn't just stop at the exterior with their wand waving.
With the entire front section of the dash designed as a flowing piece that flanks its way to the door panels at the sides, the cabin in the Insignia oozes class and sophistication that matches its German rivals easily. They call it the "wing" theme and Opel has also said it'll be dominant in their various models that will follow the Insignia.
Settling down in the leather seats, your hands find their way around the dashboard, running fingers and prodding random sections of soft rubber and hard plastics that adorns the insides. Everything felt good as premium as they look except the plastics on the middle column that separates the driver from the front passenger.
Then your hands find themselves on the ergonomically styled steering wheel with it grooved at the two and ten 0'clock position, hinting at the cars sporty ambitions.
Past it though, your eyes catch the wonderfully detailed gauges behind the steering that seem to replicate the kind of dial surrounds that you sometimes find on watches. A very nice touch.
Then there's the thoughtful features like the electronic park brake, an audio mute button that other premium brands have on their steering, and a motion sensor off button between the ambient lights on top that lets you switch the sensor that constantly prompts you to get your seatbelt on, off.
Personally I wouldn't find any use in this but I have a feeling nearly half my friends (who don't belt up over very short distances or face cars that sometimes chirp for the belt to be put on even in 'Park') have finally found something more useful than cruise control in the motion sensor button.
Driving Impressions
With Singapore only getting the 2.0-litre petrol unit, the Insignia gets by with an impressive 220 hp that comes courtesy of a turbocharger. Although the power tops out at a high 5,300 rpm, the car really gets going from the 2,000 rpm mark all the way up to 4,000 rpm where all of the 350 Nm's of twist tops out.
But even before you get to the driving, I found it hard to find a comfortable position in the car's seating.
Opel has proudly proclaimed their car in having one of the most comfortable seats in the business, with their company being one of only two having been approved by the Aktion Gesunder Rucken (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomic experts and doctors in Germany.
I'm not refuting the seats comfort and adjustability level, but the steering wheel could have done with more rake in this instance. With me being blessed with longer limbs than a torso, I'm guessing my problem here isn't unique, but isn't enough to consider mainstream either.
Then your hands find themselves on the ergonomically styled steering wheel with it grooved at the two and ten 0'clock position, hinting at the cars sporty ambitions.
Past it though, your eyes catch the wonderfully detailed gauges behind the steering that seem to replicate the kind of dial surrounds that you sometimes find on watches. A very nice touch.
Then there's the thoughtful features like the electronic park brake, an audio mute button that other premium brands have on their steering, and a motion sensor off button between the ambient lights on top that lets you switch the sensor that constantly prompts you to get your seatbelt on, off.
Personally I wouldn't find any use in this but I have a feeling nearly half my friends (who don't belt up over very short distances or face cars that sometimes chirp for the belt to be put on even in 'Park') have finally found something more useful than cruise control in the motion sensor button.
Driving Impressions
With Singapore only getting the 2.0-litre petrol unit, the Insignia gets by with an impressive 220 hp that comes courtesy of a turbocharger. Although the power tops out at a high 5,300 rpm, the car really gets going from the 2,000 rpm mark all the way up to 4,000 rpm where all of the 350 Nm's of twist tops out.
But even before you get to the driving, I found it hard to find a comfortable position in the car's seating.
Opel has proudly proclaimed their car in having one of the most comfortable seats in the business, with their company being one of only two having been approved by the Aktion Gesunder Rucken (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomic experts and doctors in Germany.
I'm not refuting the seats comfort and adjustability level, but the steering wheel could have done with more rake in this instance. With me being blessed with longer limbs than a torso, I'm guessing my problem here isn't unique, but isn't enough to consider mainstream either.
|
With the engine fading into an inaudible idle and the digital radio station (a revelation!) cranked up a notch, I was on my way through city traffic, on the expressway cruising and then onto 'B - roads' in the western part of our little Island, looking at how the car handled the different surfaces, it's shifting efficiency and suspension setup.
All of which the car passed with flying colours as the managed to get up to my desired cruising speed in sixth gear and the 'Sport' button located on the centre console firmed up the car's suspension and made what was a comfortable and undulation absorbing ride into a slightly firmer one. On 'Sport', the gear changes become more power biased, and you'll find the car in each gear all the way up into
Still, the Insignia really isn't the kind you'd thrash around on the way back home from supper on a deserted road, rather it's a comfort mobile - and that's apparent in the amount of body roll when taking corners fast.
They've got another setting as well, Tourer. That one's for the long trips you'd be taking up north and you want to be on the most comfortable setting.
All of which the car passed with flying colours as the managed to get up to my desired cruising speed in sixth gear and the 'Sport' button located on the centre console firmed up the car's suspension and made what was a comfortable and undulation absorbing ride into a slightly firmer one. On 'Sport', the gear changes become more power biased, and you'll find the car in each gear all the way up into
Still, the Insignia really isn't the kind you'd thrash around on the way back home from supper on a deserted road, rather it's a comfort mobile - and that's apparent in the amount of body roll when taking corners fast.
They've got another setting as well, Tourer. That one's for the long trips you'd be taking up north and you want to be on the most comfortable setting.
Should you buy it?
Of course you should.
Even if I said you shouldn't I'm pretty sure this car is going to do well.
You really can't find many faults with this car in my opinion. It looks great both inside and out, performs well enough and comes with the equipment you'd be used to in a similar Volkswagen.
So at $149,888 (inclusive of the COE, GST and six months road tax), the Opel Insignia trumps the equivalent but strictly four-seating Passat CC 2.0 TSI in price ($172,300) and the underpowered (only 156 bhp and 200 Nm of torque) BMW 320i at $182,800.
I think Opel just moved itself up a notch in the brand perception game.
If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend looking at either the mainstay Honda Accord 2.0 or even the Skoda Superb 1.8 Elegance.
Of course you should.
Even if I said you shouldn't I'm pretty sure this car is going to do well.
You really can't find many faults with this car in my opinion. It looks great both inside and out, performs well enough and comes with the equipment you'd be used to in a similar Volkswagen.
So at $149,888 (inclusive of the COE, GST and six months road tax), the Opel Insignia trumps the equivalent but strictly four-seating Passat CC 2.0 TSI in price ($172,300) and the underpowered (only 156 bhp and 200 Nm of torque) BMW 320i at $182,800.
I think Opel just moved itself up a notch in the brand perception game.
If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend looking at either the mainstay Honda Accord 2.0 or even the Skoda Superb 1.8 Elegance.
Car Information
Opel Insignia Sport 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.4km/L
Horsepower
164kW (220 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel Insignia
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