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

Overview

Released in November 2012, the Holden Volt was a four seat, plug-in hybrid vehicle. Manufactured in Detroit, USA, the front-wheel drive Volt had three motors – a primary traction motor, a secondary motor/generator and a range-extending 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which were connected via a planetary gear and electric clutches. Electrical energy was stored in a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, though the energy management system restricted charging to 10.3 kWh to maximise the life of the battery pack.

The Volt operated as an electric-13ly vehicle – with an estimated range of 87 km – until its battery capacity fell below a certain threshold. Beyond this point, the petrol engine could burn premium unleaded petrol to power a generator and extend the vehicle’s range to over 600 km. This secondary generator also acted as a motor to assist the primary traction motor at higher vehicle speeds to reduce the speed of the primary motor for greater efficiency. The Volt also had regenerative braking which enabled an electric motor to convert the kinetic energy of the wheels – when braking or coasting – into electrical energy that was stored in the lithium-ion battery.

Like the Holden JG Cruze , the Volt was based on General Motors’ Delta II platform and had MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Compared to the Cruze, the Volt was 99 mm shorter (at 4498 mm), the same width (1788 mm), 38 mm lower (1439 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2685 mm).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden Volt included dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Volt also had a driver-activated audible alert for pedestrians when the vehicle was running on electric energy.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Volt (sold in Europe as the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt) received a five star safety rating which included an 85 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.56 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, though maximum points were awarded in the side impact and pole tests.

Features

Standard features for the Holden Volt included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres, a six speaker Bose sound system with an amplifier and subwoofer, 30 GB hard-drive, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, MP3-compatibility and USB connectivity, satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour touch screen, climate control air conditioning, two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a rear fog light, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth voice recognition, 40/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, three 12 volt power outlets, tyre pressure monitoring, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and immobiliser.

Inside, the Volt had a seven-inch digital instrument panel which couold be configured to display an electronic speedometer, average fuel consumption, estimated range (electric-13ly, petrol and combined), a trip computer and tyre pressure monitoring.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden Volt (August 2012)

Related links

• Product Information: Holden Volt (August 2012)
• Specifications: Holden Volt (August 2012)
• Holden Media: Holden Volt – Premium Technology and Advanced Safety Come Standard (July 2012)
• Holden Media: Holden Volt Offers True Five Star Package (August 2012)
• Holden.com.au: Holden Volt
• Wikipedia.org: Chevrolet Volt

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 Volt

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 Volt

2012-13 Holden Volt: battery depletion and engine continuing to run

In April 2015, a recall was issued for Holden Volt vehicles that were manufactured from 7 May 2012 to 20 March 2013. If the driver forgot to turn the vehicle off when exiting and did not heed the associated warning tones, the battery may deplete to such a level that the petrol engine would start up to maintain charge in the electrical system. The petrol engine may then continue to run until the vehicle’s fuel supply was exhausted. If the vehicle were to run for long periods of time in a closed environment, carbon monoxide could accumulate and pose a health risk. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range 5G8RZ6E41DU100024 to 5G8RZ6E45DU140316 (PRA 2015/14609).

2013 model year Holden Volt: loss of power or failure to start

In June 2018, a recall (campaign number N172130460) was issued for 2013 model year Holden Volt vehicles. In these vehicles, a low cell voltage condition in the battery pack could cause the vehicle to experience a reduction or loss of forward movement, or not start. If this condition occurred while the vehicle was being driven, it could pose a hazard to the driver and other road users. To warn the driver of this condition, a warning light would illuminate in the instrument cluster to advise that propulsion power was reduced. For the VINs of the recalled Holden Volt vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16848.

Problems and faults: Holden Volt

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.

2011-12 Holden Volt: daytime running lights may not illuminate

In 2014, Chevrolet UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Chevrolet Volt vehicles that were manufactured from 17 November 2011 to 28 August 2012. Due to a software error, the daytime running lights in these Chevrolet Volt vehicles may fail to switch on when the vehicle was driven from dark to daylight. For affected vehicles, the Body Control Module (BCM) was to be updated with the latest software. The affected Chevrolet Volt vehicles had serial numbers in the range CU110435 to DU110346 (NCA/2014/019).

Holden Volt: whistle/chirp noise from engine bay

In February 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin PI1297B for 2013-15 ‘model year’ Holden Volt vehicles. According to the Service Bulletin, the driver may notice a whistle or chirp noise from the engine area after the vehicle had warmed up and there were four possible causes:

1. A vacuum leak at the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) control valve. To fix, the camshaft cover assembly was to be replaced;
2. A vacuum leak, most likely at the front crankshaft seal. For this cause, the whistling/chirp noise may head for up to 10 seconds after the engine was shut off due to the vacuum in the engine crankcase equalising with atmospheric pressure. To fix, the front crankshaft seal was to be replaced;
3. A whistling noise from the water pump due to:
   • Low coolant with air moving through the system;
   • A noisy water pump bearing (indicated by a rattle or growl noise); or,
   • The coolant shaft seal (indicated by a higher-pitched whine noise, typically heard at idle when the engine was warm).
4. Drive belt or belt tensioner.

2013-15 model year Holden Volt: reduced propulsion power

In July 2017, General Motors issued service bulletin PIC6292 for 2013-15 model year Holden Volt vehicles. According to the service bulletin, drivers may occasionally see a ‘Propulsion Power is reduced’ message in the driver’s information centre that had not been previously present under the same driving conditions. This condition may be due to a ‘controls issue’ with normal wear of the high voltage battery, but did not indicate a problem with the battery itself. Once the engine was able to charge the battery slightly – by driving for a few minutes – the message should disappear.

2011-14 model year Holden Volt: steering wheel resistance moving off-centre

In June 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin 14232A for 2011-14 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles; in Australia, the equivalent model was sold as the Holden Volt. After driving long distances on a straight road, the steering wheel may exhibit increased resistance to moving off-centre due to increased friction in the steering system. While the steering wheel could be turned in this condition, increased effort would be required. To fix,

• The steering gear was to be replaced on pre-2012 model year vehicles; or,
• The power steering control module was to be re-programmed on 2013-14 model year vehicles.

In the USA, General Motors extended warranty coverage for this condition to ten years or 150,000 kilometres from the date the vehicle entered service, whichever came first.

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

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_01

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_02

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_03

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_04

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_05

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_06

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_07

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_08

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_09

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_10

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_11

opel_insignia_mk1_ser1_12

Released in November 2012, the Holden Volt was a four seat, plug-in hybrid vehicle. Manufactured in Detroit, USA, the front-wheel drive Volt had three motors – a primary traction motor, a secondary motor/generator and a range-extending 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – which were connected via a planetary gear and electric clutches. Electrical energy was stored in a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, though the energy management system restricted charging to 10.3 kWh to maximise the life of the battery pack… Read full Holden Volt review

holden_volt_2012_ser1_01

holden_volt_2012_ser1_02

holden_volt_2012_ser1_03

holden_volt_2012_ser1_04

holden_volt_2012_ser1_05

holden_volt_2012_ser1_06

holden_volt_2012_ser1_07

holden_volt_2012_ser1_08

holden_volt_2012_ser1_09

holden_volt_2012_ser1_10

holden_volt_2012_ser1_11

holden_volt_2012_ser1_12

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: Chevrolet Volt crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the Chevrolet Volt received a five star safety rating which included an 85 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 78 per cent child occupant protection rating. For more information about this testing, please see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Carbuyer: Vauxhall Ampera (Holden Volt) review

Note

Please note that 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. For example, the Volt is sold as a Vauxhaull Ampera in the UK and, in North America, as the Chevrolet Volt.

Roadfly TV: Chevrolet Volt road test and review

AutoguideVideo: 2012 Chevrolet Volt road test and review