Overview

Released in February 2013, the Opel Insignia OPC was a mid-size, performance sedan. Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the all-wheel drive Insignia OPC was powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

LP9 engine

The 2.8-litre LP9 V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block and heads, a twin-scroll MHI turbocharger with maximum boost pressure of 0.9 bar, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve control and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Furthermore, the engine required 98 RON premium unleaded petrol and the Insignia OPC could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Dimensions and suspension

The Insignia OPC was 4830 mm long, 2084 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 2737 mm long wheelbase. Like the Mk.4 Astra OPC , the Insignia OPC was also fitted with:

• Opel’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension which had reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length. As a result, there was less camber loss while cornering, thereby reducing torque steer reactions and improving traction; and,
• Adaptive FlexRide suspension which automatically adjusted damping to the prevailing driving conditions and enabled the driver to select from different drive modes (OPC, Sport and Normal).

All-wheel drive system

The Insignia OPC was fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system as per the Saab Mk.2 9-3 Turbo X . 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 limited slip rear differential could transfer up to 40 per of the available torque between the rear wheels – to whichever wheel had more grip – in order to provide a yaw damping effect.

Safety equipment

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

Brakes

The Insignia OPC had 355 mm by 32 mm cross-drilled front brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the 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. 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: Opel Insignia OPC

Standard features for the Opel Insignia OPC included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 98Y HW4 Pirelli P Zero tyres, a seven speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility, a CD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod/SD card reader) and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice control, a satellite navigation system with a seven-inch colour display, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, Recaro front seats, Siena leather seat trim, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (with memory settings), heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, fornt and rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a power-operated park brake, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

RRelated links

• Wikipedia.org: Opel Insignia

Recalls: Opel Insignia OPC

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 OPC

• 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 OPC

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 OPC, 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 February 2013, the Opel Insignia OPC was a mid-size, performance sedan. Manufactured in Russelsheim, Germany, the all-wheel drive Insignia OPC was powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The aluminium alloy 2.8-litre LP9 V6 petrol engine had a twin-scroll MHI turbocharger with maximum boost pressure of 0.9 bar… Read full Opel Insignia OPC 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.