The New Opel Insignia ecoFLEX: Sleek Economy without Concessions

RUSSELSHEIM, GERMANY – April 20, 2009: The new ecoFLEX version of the Opel Insignia offers a dynamic driving experience and low emissions at an affordable price. Emitting only 136 grams of CO2, equivalent to 5.2 l/100km on the MVEG/NEDC cycle, the Insignia ecoFLEX features a powerful turbo diesel with 2.0-liter displacement, an output of 118 kW/160 hp and a maximum 380 Nm of torque with overboost.

“The Insignia ecoFLEX highlights Opel’s engineering expertise, proving that it is possible to combine economic driving and performance in a great looking car at an affordable price,” says Hans Demant, Managing Director of Adam Opel GmbH.

Like all Insignia models, the new ecoFLEX is Euro 5 certified. It will be available first with sedan and hatchback bodies starting at 30,105 euros. Deliveries to customers begin early summer 2009. With this CO2 value, customers in many countries now will receive tax advantages.

Designers have streamlined the ecoFLEX model by adding panelling under the tank and lowering the body 10 mm for a CD value down to 0.26, making it one of the most aerodynamic sedans in the world. Other improvements include adding a flexible front spoiler lip and reducing upper cooling openings. Moreover, engineers have optimized gearing and final drive ratio on this six-gear manual transmission and added specially-designed Michelin Primacy HP tires.

The innovative CleanTech combustion process for diesel engines ensures the lowest possible emissions and improves interior acoustics by controlling combustion via an electronic closed-loop system, adapting fuel injection to combustion development in real time. This allows dynamic driving at extremely low fuel consumption. Best fuel efficiency is reached when drivers follow shift recommendations which are displayed on an arrow graphic in the instrument panel. In practice, drivers reach the sixth gear with a low rpm and still have reserves for more acceleration – ideal for long rides.

The Insignia ecoFLEX sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 221 km/h. Ensuring excellent pulling power even at low rpm, the maximum torque of 350 Nm is available from 1750 rpm, and can be temporarily increased for 15 seconds to 380 Nm via an ‘overboost’ function.