OPEL Insignia Sports Tourer OPC Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Insignia Sports Tourer OPC was made for those who were looking for a family station wagon but didn't want to give-up sportscars performance.

Opel introduced a mid-life cycle refresh for the Insignia lineup in 2013. It was a fast station-wagon that could embarrass some sports cars, especially on a winding road.

The Insignia Sports Tourer OPC featured a bigger front bumper with a lower apron and big air-intakes in the middle and on the sides, with satin-silver color for the grille and side scoops. Opel installed a set of 19" light-alloy wheels. The ground clearance was reduced by 10 mm (0.4") than the standard version. Its extended roof was ended into a raked-forward tailgate. In the back, the redesigned bumper revealed two large exhausts on the sides.

Inside, the Recaro-signed bucket-seats promised great support during high-speed cornering. There was room for two adults in the back, maybe three if the middle passenger would like to ride on the transmission tunnel. After 2013, when a mid-life cycle refresh was launched, the driver had a touchpad in front of its left armrest to control the 8" touch-screen infotainment system. The Insignia Sports Tourer version impressive 538 liters (19 cu-ft) trunk with the rear seats up and 1,530 liters (54 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded.

In the technical department, Opel ticked all the boxes that made a normal car a fast one. 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, and a limited-slip front differential. On top of that, a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission was offered. Adaptive dampers were also installed, with manual settings for comfort or sport mode.

Even though it looked like a family vehicle meant to do the school runs and weekend shopping, the Insignia Sports Tourer OPC was closely related to a sports car.

Opel created a vehicle that was appropriate for those who enjoyed the Astra GSI hot-hatch when they were in their 20s. The 2009 Insignia Sports Tourer OPC was a large, spacious station wagon that could go fast on a track or do the school run and weekend shopping in a safe way.

They say to not judge a book by its cover. It is the same with the Insignia Sports Tourer OPC. Despite its big appearance as a station wagon with a huge 538 liters (19 cu-ft) trunk in the rear, it was not a slow car. That could be noticed from the first look at the vehicle's front bumper, which featured large air intakes to cool the engine and brakes. The car's large intercooler could have been seen through the lower grille. In the rear, a small roof spoiler completes the aerodynamic package.

Inside, the bucket seats are signed by Recaro and promise great support on the curves. There was room for two adults in the back, maybe three if the middle passenger would like to ride on the transmission tunnel. After 2013, when a mid-life cycle refresh was launched, the driver had a touchpad in front of its left armrest to control the infotainment system. It even had an 8" touch-screen.

In the technical department, OPC (Opel Performance Center) created an excellent mix of a powerful engine and an all-wheel-drive system. Thus, it partly solved the understeering issue noticed by customers on the previous Vectra OPC vehicle.