Opel has launched a new 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine for the Insignia car and new 1.6 litre, diesel to the Mokka. Both engines will be available in Ireland from April of this year.

Opel claims that the engines give improved responsiveness and reduce the noise and vibrations providing improved levels of comfort.

The new 2.0 CDTI engine for the Insignia claims to deliver almost 5% more horsepower at 170hp and offers 14% more torque of 400Nm at 3,750 rpm than the previous engine. This four-cylinder engine propels the Insignia from zero to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 225km/h. Fuel consumption has been reduced to give a CO2 rating of 114gm/km which translates to €200 in annual road tax (A4).

Opel claims that the engine is impressively quiet. It meets the stringent Euro 6 emission standards.

Previously, the biggest weakness for the diesel engine has been the emission of nitrogen oxides and with Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, nitrogen oxide is removed from the engine’s exhaust gases. This is enabled through using minute quantities of AdBlue, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, which is injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The solution is immediately converted into ammonia (NH3), which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapour in a chemical reaction with the ammonia.

The 2.0CDTI (170hp) Insignia engine is available on the Saloon, Hatchback, Sports Tourer and Country Tourer and prices start from €30,395. It’s available on the SC versions upwards and automatic versions of the Insignia. Opel reports that the new 2.0 CDTI engine will also be introduced for the Zafira Tourer.

Opel’s new generation aluminium four-cylinder, 136bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine is now available in the Mokka. It made its debut in the Zafira Tourer, Meriva and Astra range, and replaces the outgoing 1.7CDTI engine. Opel claims that it is the quietest and most efficient engine in its class.

Opel has also a new small diesel engine for the Corsa. The 1.3CDTI (95hp) gives 190Nm of torque. Significant reductions in noise have been made and it claims to offer increased responsiveness.

Opel claims that new generation turbochargers ensure smooth driving and acceleration at low engine speeds with minimal noise generation. Both versions come with fuel-saving Start/Stop technology fitted as standard.

The most frugal Corsa diesel version, an automated Easytronic 3.0 transmission and braking energy recuperation system, can reduce CO2 emissions down to just 82 g/km (€180annual road tax) and fuel consumption to 32km/litre (3.1 l/100km or 91mpg) in the combined cycle. This new engine is offered on the five door Corsa SE model and is priced at €19,495.