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Generating combined
CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2 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.
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