Vauxhall launches Insignia ecoFlex with 45.5 mpg (U.S.), 136 g/km CO₂

Vauxhall has introduced the ecoFlex version of the Insignia sedan in the UK powered by a 160 hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel four cylinder. The ecoFlex model is based on the 2.0 CDTi with a variety of aerodynamic improvements that help improve the mileage by 10 percent. Lowering the ride height by 10 mm and adding a full belly pan has dropped the drag coefficient from 0.27 to 0.26. In combination with low rolling resistance tires and revised gearing for the first two gears and the final drive, the ecoFlex Insignia gets a combined rating of 45.5 mpg (U.S.) on the EU drive cycle. The carbon dioxide emissions are rated at only 136 g/km. In spite of the impressive efficiency, the torque of the diesel engine means the Insignia still has decent performance with 0-60 acceleration in 8.9 seconds.

[Source: General Motors]

NEW ECO INSIGNIA STILL FLEXES DIESEL MUSCLE

Luton - Generating combined C02s of just 136g/km and with performance similar to that of its regular 2.0 CDTi 160 sibling, the new Insignia ecoFLEX is set to provide company and private buyers with significant reductions in taxes and running costs, but without the pain of reduced driveability.

Available initially in hatch and saloon versions, and in all trim levels apart from SRi, the Insignia ecoFLEX is on sale now with a starting price of £19,600 OTR for the Exclusiv model.

The ecoFLEX's reduced combined C02 figure means that business drivers will pay just 18 per cent Benefit in Kind tax – the second lowest band for a diesel car – down from 21 per cent for the already competitive 2.0 CDTi models. The lower C02s also mean that all Insignia ecoFLEX owners will be better off by £25 per year due to its lower VED band.

And with all drivers keeping a keen eye on the fuel gauge these days, the Insignia ecoFLEX rewards with an official combined figure of 54.7mpg - a 10 per cent improvement on the 2.0 CDTi model - which puts it among the best in class. It also means that the Insignia ecoFLEX now has a potential range of over 842 miles.

But since the Insignia ecoFLEX uses the same 160PS 2.0-litre engine found in higher-powered versions of existing 2.0 CDTi models, there's little change in performance. Top speed remains at 135mph, while 0-60mph takes just 8.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest green derivatives in its class.

Aerodynamics have played a major role in the Insignia ecoFLEX's overall efficiency. Designers have streamlined the car, adding panelling to its underside, while also lowering the ride height by 10mm. As a result, the Cd figure drops from 0.27 for the regular hatch to 0.26 for the ecoFLEX. Low rolling resistance Michelin tyres are also standard on all models.

A higher first and second gear ratio, combined with a higher final drive ratio are the only changes that have been made to the ecoFLEX's powertrain, ensuring that the generous torque from the 2.0 CDTi 160 engine (350Nm from 1750-2500rpm, with overboost to 380Nm) remains to ensure optimum driveability. But to help drivers get the best from their ecoFLEX's economy, a graphic is displayed in the instrument panel recommending the best change-up points.

Hatchback and Saloon		Price (£)	VAT (£)	Total (£)	On- the-road
S	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£17,500.00	£2,625.00	£20,125.00	£20,945.00
Exclusiv	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£16,330.43	£2,449.57	£18,780.00	£19,600.00
Exclusiv Nav	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£17,021.74	£2,553.26	£19,575.00	£20,395.00
SE	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£19,200.00	£2,880.00	£22,080.00	£22,900.00
SE Nav	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£19,456.52	£2,918.48	£22,375.00	£23,195.00
Elite	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£20,982.61	£3,147.39	£24,130.00	£24,950.00
Elite Nav	2.0CDTi (160PS) ecoFLEX	£21,673.91	£3,251.09	£24,925.00	£25,745.00

Performance / environmental information

0-60mph Top speed CO2 emissions Urban Extra-Urban Combined VED band BIK band

8.9 seconds 135mph 136g/km 41.5mpg 67.3mpg 54.7mpg C 18%

Engine

Capacity Max power Max torque Configuration Fuel/induction Service intervals

1956cc 160PS @ 4000rpm 350Nm from 1750-2500rpm 4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts Variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler. Common rail fuel injection 20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)