Opel International has released a version of its popular Insignia passenger vehicle that features a turbocharged 1.4-liter ecoFLEX engine powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Targeted to the European market, the propane autogas Insignia can be ordered as a sedan, hatchback or wagon, and the retrofit is performed at Opel Special Vehicles GmbH in Germany. The Insignia joins the Corsa, Meriva and Astra in Opel's LPG portfolio.

The company says the 140 hp Insignia LPG, which starts at €28,150 (approximately $34,000), achieves a fuel economy of about 31 miles per gallon. The vehicle's range in pure LPG mode is just over 300 miles, and the combined LPG/gasoline range is more than 1,000 miles.

The LPG model features strengthened engine valves and valve seats, as well as an optimized engine control unit. The 42-liter (11.1 gallons) LPG tank is integrated into the spare-wheel housing, freeing the Insignia's trunk space.


Photo courtesy of General Motors