An Garda Síochána have just taken delivery of 20 new high performance Opel Insignia Sports Tourers.

These custom specified Insignias feature a 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine with an output of 195hp that ensures rapid engine response from low revs, making them ideal for high performance driving and policing.

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland said; “Opel have a vast experience in developing cars that provide surefooted performance and with the specifications that we have provided with these Insignia Sports Tourers, they are ideally equipped to support the safe and efficient patrolling of our Irish Motorways.”

The vehicles, which are wrapped in the traditional Traffic Corps livery, were unveiled at a press event with the Taoiseach and An Garda Síochána Traffic Corps recently at their headquarters in the Phoenix Park and will be provided to Garda traffic units around the country.

With a long history of supplying Opel’s to An Garda Síochána, Opel’s Fleet Department worked in close partnership with the team in the Transport Department to deliver the perfect specification to cater for their unique requirements for policing.

The 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine is equipped with two turbos, one larger than the other. They operate separately or together as required to ensure quick engine response from low revs: 400Nm of torque is developed from only 1750Nm (with 350Nm from only 1500rpm). The smaller turbo uses an efficient water-cooled intercooler to minimise turbo lag, while the larger turbo uses a larger air-cooled intercooler at higher engine speeds. Compared to single-turbo Insignia 2.0CDTi engines, the BiTurbo has higher performance pistons, cylinder head and gasket and camshafts to deal with the extra power. Despite all this performance-focussed technology, it is extremely fuel-efficient and boasts combined CO2 emissions of only 129g/km.