Opel added several engines in the Insignia range (known as the Buick Regal in the U.S.) for better economy and CO2 emissions. In the five-door liftback and four-door sedan ecoFLEX models, emissions have now dropped from 136g/km to 129g/km, with a corresponding improvement in fuel consumption from 54.3mpg UK [5.2lt/100km] combined, to 57.6mpg UK [4.9lt/100km]. As a result of the lower emissions, UK customers won’t have to pay VED for the first year.

In the Insignia Sports Tourer ecoFLEX version, C02 emission drop to 134g/km while delivering an improved fuel consumption of 55.4mpg UK, up from 53.3mpg UK.

The 2.0 CDTi 160HP versions benefit from C02 emissions of 144g/km (down from 154g/km), along with a 6.5 per cent lower fuel consumption, while the 2.0 CDTi 130HP engine emits 136g/km of CO2, an 11.5 per cent reduction

The Opel added that all 2.0 CDTi engines also benefit from a raft of changes to reduce noise and vibrations. At least in the UK, road prices for the diesel-powered Insignias remains the same.

German Opel has announced two new turbo engines for the Insignia range. The new units will be unveiled at the next Paris Auto Show. The new 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel with clean tech combustion system delivering an output of 190 HP and the downsized 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine that generates 180 HP. The new additions complement the range of seven motors – all Euro 5-certified – that are already on offer for the Insignia.

In addition, Opel will unveil the new Insignia ecoFLEX system that promises to offer lower CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption without compromising on performance.

Opel has launched a new eco-friendly compact Astra with lower CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption. The eco Astra in range which is available as a 5-door, 3-door and station wagon, comes equipped with a tweaked 1.7-liter turbo diesel engine producing CO2 emissions of 119g/km and fuel consumption of just 4.5lt /100 km or 52.3mpg US / 62.8mpg UK on the combined cycle.

The 1.7 CDTI common-rail diesel engine, which will be completed with a 6-speed manual gearbox, has a maximum output of 110 HP, torque of 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm and a top speed of 188 km/h.

The Opel’s Astra ecoFLEX’s curb weight has been reduced by 30kg or 66lbs, while aerodynamics have been improved by lowering the suspension, modifying the front air intakes and fitting a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pump’s idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance 15-inch tires (16-inch optional).

Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) is a technology, that combines an oil-burner’s fuel eco­nomy with the smooth, free-revving character of a petrol engine, courtesy of some clever engineering.

Standard diesels don’t use spark plugs. Instead, they compress the fuel and air mixture until it’s hot enough to burn by itself. Engines fed on unleaded, however, need a spark to get the process going.

The HCCI system redirects some of the exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber, which warms up the petrol and air mix so that it doesn’t need a spark to ignite. Up to half throttle and 3,000rpm – typical conditions for driving in traffic – the engine works in HCCI mode with huge gains in efficiency.

The rest of the time, if the driver is accelerating hard, it automatically converts back to a conventional spark ignition set-up. That results in a 15 per cent improvement in efficiency. Expect to see this engine offered in the Opel Insignia from early next year. GM has been working on HCCI technology for

Hot news about Opel Vectra’s successor. The Opel Insignia will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Opel Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.

Opel will enhance the Insignia’s line with the addition of an OPC version that will be equipped with a 300 HP 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine combined with an all-wheel drive system.