Opel Insignia Facelift Makes Public Debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show
The refreshed Opel Insignia, featuring updated styling, new petrol and diesel engines, and improved interior technology, was unveiled to the public at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt.
Opel officially unveiled the facelifted Insignia at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, marking the first public showing of the updated mid-size model. The revised Insignia arrives with refreshed exterior styling, a reworked interior, and a new engine line-up aimed at improving efficiency and appeal in a competitive segment.
Exterior and Interior Updates
The facelift brings a more refined look to the Insignia, with redesigned front and rear bumpers, updated headlamps, and new rear light clusters. The changes are visible but restrained, intended to sharpen the Insignia’s presence without departing radically from the outgoing design. At the rear, a new bumper extends further down, giving the car a lower and more substantial stance.
Inside, Opel has addressed previous criticism of the Insignia’s busy centre console. The updated cabin features a simpler layout with fewer physical buttons, a newly designed steering wheel, and improved materials throughout. A new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now available, offering buyers a more modern interface and additional connectivity options.
New Engine Options and Emissions Improvements
Opel has expanded the Insignia’s engine range with two new turbocharged direct-injection petrol engines from the SIDI family. The 1.6-litre unit produces 170 hp and 380 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre version delivers 250 hp and 400 Nm. These options are aimed at buyers seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.
The diesel line-up now includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that meets the A+ efficiency class with CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km. In manual form with Start/Stop, both 120 hp and 140 hp variants achieve a combined fuel consumption of 3.7 litres per 100 km, with the Sports Tourer estate posting 3.9 l/100 km. This positions the Insignia as a strong contender for company car drivers and private buyers focused on running costs and emissions.
Position in the Market and Frankfurt Highlights
The Insignia’s update arrives as European mid-size saloons and estates face pressure from premium competitors and growing SUV sales. Opel’s revisions focus on keeping the model relevant through efficiency gains, improved usability, and new technology. The Frankfurt show also saw other key debuts in the segment, including the new Peugeot 308 (see Peugeot 308 Makes First Public Appearance at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show) and concept models from rivals such as Mercedes-Benz (see Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept Shown Live at Frankfurt).
