Opel Vectra

"Chevrolet Vectra" redirects here. For the version of the car sold in Brazil from 2009-2011, see Opel Astra.

Opel Vectra
Opel Vectra C
Overview
Manufacturer	Opel
Production	1988–2009
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Chronology
Predecessor	Opel Ascona
Successor	Opel Insignia

The Opel Vectra is a large family car that was engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel. In the United Kingdom, the car was sold under the Vauxhall marque as the Vauxhall Cavalier and later as the Vauxhall Vectra, from 1995 onwards. It has also been sold by Holden in Australasia as Holden Vectra, and by Chevrolet in Latin America as the Chevrolet Vectra.

The Vectra was introduced in October 1988 as a replacement to the Opel Ascona, and itself was replaced in 2009 by the Opel Insignia, the nameplate spanning twenty one years and three generations of car.

Vectra A (1988–1995)

Vectra A
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra (New Zealand) Vauxhall Cavalier
Production	1988–1995
Assembly	Luton, England Eisenach, Germany Rüsselsheim, Germany São Caetano do Sul, Brazil Caracas, Venezuela 6th of October City, Egypt (GM Egypt)
Designer	Wayne Cherry
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Platform	GM2900 platform
Related	Opel Calibra
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L 14NV I4 (petrol) 1.6 L C16NZ I4 (petrol) 1.6 L E16NZ I4 (petrol) 1.6 L E16NZ2 I4 (petrol) 1.6 L 16SV I4 (petrol) 1.6 L X16SZ I4 (petrol) 1.7 L 4EE1 I4 (turbocharged diesel) 1.7 L 17D I4 (diesel) 1.7 L 17DR I4 (diesel) 1.8 L 18SV I4 (petrol) 1.8 L C18SV I4 (petrol) 1.8 L E18NVR I4 (petrol) 1.8 L C18NZ I4 (petrol) 2.0 L 20NE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L 20SEH I4 (petrol) 2.0 L C20NE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L 20XE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L C20XE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L C20LET I4 (turbocharged petrol) 2.5 L C25XE V6 (petrol)
Transmission	5-speed manual (F10/5, F13/5, F16/5, F20/5) 6-speed Getrag manual (F28/6) 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,430 mm (174.4 in) (saloon) 4,350 mm (171.3 in) (hatch)
Width	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight	997–1,199 kg (2,198–2,643 lb) (4-cyl petrols)

The first generation Vectra, known as the Vectra A, was introduced in October 1988, as a saloon and hatchback, replacing the Opel Ascona C. A coupé based on the Vectra, called the Calibra, was introduced the following year. Both cars were designed by the Opel design chief at the time, Wayne Cherry. Vauxhall Motors, the British GM subsidiary that shared most of its models with Opel, did not use the "Vectra" model name until Vauxhall introduced the name into the UK in 1995. The 1989 Vectra came in Base, LS, GL, GLS, CD, and GT models, its sister model was the third generation Cavalier.

1994–1997 Holden Vectra GL sedan (New Zealand)

Engines ranged initially from a 75 PS (55 kW) 1.4 L to a 130 PS (96 kW) 2.0 L Family II. With the introduction of Euro I emissions regulations, the base model was replaced by a 1.6 L with the same output, while the top of the line was given to a 16-valve version of the 2.0 L engine, which powered the GT (GSI) version, and had 150 PS (110 kW). Four-wheel drive versions were added to the lineup in 1990, and in 1993, the car received a limited edition turbocharged version, with 204 PS (150 kW). The 1.4-litre engine was not available in all markets, and even then, it was only available in basic trims (Base/L in United Kingdom, LS/GL in Europe). A 2.5 L V6 engine appeared towards the later stages of the Vectra's life, developing 170 PS (125 kW), turning the car into a relaxed motorway cruiser rather than give it sporty pretensions.

There were a choice of two diesel engines; one was an Isuzu 1.7 L 4EE1 inline-four unit, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form (1,686 cc), this one capable of achieving 82 PS (60 kW), and an Opel designed 1.7 "low blow" turbodiesel (1,699 cc), and naturally aspirated diesel unit, delivering up to 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp). Both units have a reputation for longevity, especially Isuzu developed units, which were also regarded as some of the most refined diesels available at the time.

The front suspension was fully independent, with MacPherson struts, pressed steel lower control arms, and an anti-roll bar. The front suspension, together with the major mechanicals (engine and transmission) is remotely mounted on a front subframe. On front wheel drive models, the rear suspension is semi-independent, consisting of a torsion beam axle linked to trailing arms, with double conical coil springs and direct acting telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, with certain models also having an anti-roll bar. On the four wheel drive GSi, 4x4 and Turbo models, the rear suspension is a subframe-mounted fully independent design, with semi-trailing arms, double conical coil springs, direct acting gas-assisted telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. Steering gear is a rack and pinion type (manual or power assisted, depending on model), mounted on the bulkhead (firewall), with a telescopically deformable steering column.

The Vectra also received a refresh in 1992. The range received new front grilles and a black plastic strip above the rear tail lights, along with an upgrade to the structure for improved crashworthiness. Airbags became available from 1993 onward.

The Vectra gave birth to a coupé version, the Opel Calibra, which shared the Vectra's platform, gearbox and several engines.

In New Zealand, the Vectra A was offered initially as an Opel, but it wore Holden badges from 1994. It was not sold in Australia, where Holden instead offered a rebadged Toyota Camry called Apollo until 1997.

In Brazil, the Chevrolet-badged Vectra A was not introduced until 1993, when it replaced the Chevrolet Monza, a restyled version of the Ascona C.

In Egypt, the Opel Vectra A was not introduced until 1994 through GM Egypt Dealerships, and started production in late 1994 by GM Egypt through early 1996 with a range of 1.6 GL, 2.0 GL trim and 2.0 GLS trim and only Saloon body style boosting strong sales during this short run.

This was similar to the Opel Kadett

In 1994, the European Turbo 4x4 version of the Vectra was used in Formula One as its Safety Car. Most notably, it was deployed at the San Marino Grand Prix where it was regarded as being inadequate for the role following Ayrton Senna's fatal crash.

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  Rear view
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  Opel Vectra A hatchback (1989–1992)
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  Opel Vectra A 2000 (1989–1992)
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  Facelifted Opel Vectra A sedan (1992–1995)
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  Rear view

Engines

Engine Model	Displ.	Power	Torque	Fueling System	Valvetrain	Top speed
14NV	1389 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5600 rpm	108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) @ 3000 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
16SV	1598 cc	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @ 5200 rpm	130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	178 km/h (111 mph)
C16NZ(2)	1598 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5200 rpm	127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
E16NZ	1598 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5200 rpm	125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
X16SZR	1598 cc	52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) @ 5000 rpm	128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) @ 2800 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
18SV	1796 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5400 rpm	148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) @ 2800 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	183 km/h (114 mph)
E18NVR	1796 cc	65 kW (88 PS; 87 hp) @ 5400 rpm	143 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) @ 2800 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	182 km/h (113 mph)
C18NZ	1796 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5400 rpm	145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) @ 3000 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	183 km/h (114 mph)
C20NEF	1998 cc	74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @ 5200 rpm	158 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC
20NE	1998 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5200 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	198 km/h (123 mph)
C20NE	1998 cc	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5200 rpm	170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) @ 2600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	198 km/h (123 mph)
20SEH	1998 cc	95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) @ 5600 rpm	180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) @ 4600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	206 km/h (128 mph)
20XEJ	1998 cc	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 6000 rpm	196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) @ 4800 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	217 km/h (135 mph)
C20XE	1998 cc	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 6000 rpm	196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) @ 4800 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	217 km/h (135 mph)
X20XEV	1998 cc	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) @ 5600 rpm	185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) @ 4000 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	210 km/h (130 mph)
C20LET	1998 cc	150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) @ 5600 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) @ 2400 rpm	MPFI, Turbo	DOHC	245 km/h (152 mph)
C25XE	2498 cc	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) @ 6000 rpm	227 N⋅m (167 lb⋅ft) @ 4200 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	233 km/h (145 mph)
17D	1699cc	42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp) @ 4600 rpm	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) @ 2400–2600 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	152 km/h (94 mph)
17DR	1699 cc	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @ 4600 rpm	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) @ 2400–2600 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	152 km/h (94 mph)
TC4EE1	1686 cc	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @ 4400 rpm	168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) @ 2400 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)

Vectra B (1995–2002)

Vectra B
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra
Production	1995–2002
Assembly	Ellesmere Port, England, UK Luton, England, UK Rüsselsheim, Germany Antwerp, Belgium 6th of October City, Egypt (1998–2002) (GM Egypt) Elizabeth, S.A., Australia (1998–1999) São Caetano do Sul (1996-2005), Brazil İzmir, Turkey (1996-2002)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	GM2900 platform
Related	Saturn L-Series
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 16LZ2 I4 (petrol) 1.6 L X16SZR I4 (petrol) 1.6 L X16XEL I4 (petrol) 1.7 L I4 (diesel) 1.8 L X18XE I4 (petrol) 2.0 L 20NEJ I4 (petrol) 2.0 L X20XEV I4 (petrol) 2.0 L I4 (diesel) 2.2 L C22SEL I4 (petrol) 2.2 L Z22SE I4 (petrol) 2.2L I4 (diesel) 2.5 L X25XE V6 (petrol) 2.6 L Y26SE V6 (petrol) 3.0 L Ecotec V6 (petrol)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,640 millimetres (104 in)
Length	4,480 millimetres (176 in)
Width	1,710 millimetres (67 in)
Height	1,420 millimetres (56 in)
Curb weight	1,270 kilograms (2,800 lb)–1,325 kilograms (2,921 lb)

The second model, the Vectra B, was introduced in 1995, and the model range included an estate version for the first time. This model replaced the Vauxhall Cavalier in the UK. The Vauxhall badged Vectra B was the last Vauxhall to be produced at the company's Luton plant, where the end of automobile production was announced at Christmas 2000, taking effect just over a year later.

The model was badged as the Holden Vectra in Australia and New Zealand. In 1998, Holden began assembly of the Vectra for export to other RHD markets in the region, although this was adversely affected by the Asian economic crisis, and ended in 2001.

Engines started from the 75 PS (55 kW) 1.6 L, Family 1 but eventually the 8-valve engines were all replaced by 16-valve powerplants. The 2.0 L Family II engine, with 136 PS (100 kW) was developed as a basis for touring car racing (later in Australia, 2.2 L 108 kW), but the top of the line was a 2.5 L V6 with 170 PS (125 kW). Diesel power came once again from Isuzu, with 1.7 L 82 PS, also 2.0 L Ecotec with 82 PS or 101 PS and 2.2 L Ecotec with 125 PS. In 2001 the all new 2.2 L petrol engine, as carried over to the Vectra C, was introduced with the 2.5 L petrol in its last incarnation being upgraded to a 2.6 L to accommodate emissions improvements.

In 1999, the Vectra was updated, receiving a mildly modified body (that can be identified by the single piece headlight units and body-coloured bumpers) together with somewhat improved handling and better equipment.

Sporting limited edition models included the touring car championship inspired i500, Super Touring and GSi. The first model was developed in Germany by Opel Motorsport, with the V6 engine's power increased to 195 PS (143 kW), and the other two were created in Milton Keynes by Motor Sport Developments. Only 3900 2.5 GSi models were ever produced, mostly in saloon and hatchback guise. With only 317 estate versions produced during this time, they became one of the rarest production Vauxhalls ever.

On model years 2001 and 2002, a last of the line 2.6 GSi was made also but these were limited to 500 cars. These were again mostly saloons and hatchbacks however 37 estates were made. These models received a host of extra upgrades including but not limited to Xenon headlights and larger front brakes.

In Egypt, the production of the Opel Vectra B continued in mid-1996 with two models, initially a 1.6l 8v GLS trim with manual transmission and a 2.0l 8v CD trim with automatic transmission. Later in 2000 the revised model was produced with three models 1.6 8v GLS trim with manual transmission (later replaced by the 1.6 16v GLS trim with automatic transmission), 2.0 16v CD trim with automatic transmission, and a 2.0 CDX trim automatic transmission and all with saloon body style. In 2002 local production of the Opel Vectra ceased in favour of the Opel Corsa Sedan and Opel Astra Sedan.

A related model sold in North America was the Saturn L-Series, introduced in 2000, but dropped from the lineup in 2005. It was replaced by the 2007 Saturn Aura, which was built around GM's Epsilon architecture, as the Vectra C is.

In October 2013, Top Gear Magazine placed the 1995 Vectra on its list of "The 13 worst cars of the last 20 years", describing the car as "so mediocre that JC refused to drive it". The resulting six minutes of telly is regarded "priceless", both cementing his status as a broadcasting deity and ensuring that he would never again be able to buy a kebab in Luton."

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  Opel Vectra B rear view
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  Opel Vectra B hatchback
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  Vauxhall Vectra
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  Vauxhall Vectra (facelift)
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  Opel Vectra B estate

Vectra C (2002–2009)

Vectra C
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra
Production	2002–2009
Assembly	Ellesmere Port, England Rüsselsheim, Germany 6th of October City, Egypt (GM Egypt)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	Epsilon platform
Related	Opel Signum Saturn Aura
Powertrain
Engine	petrol 1.6 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 2.0 L T I4 2.2 L I4 2.2 L I4 2.8 L T V6 3.2 L V6 Diesel 1.9 L I4 CDTI 2.0 L I4 DTI 2.2 L I4 DTI 3.0 L V6 CDTI
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual 5-speed manual Easytronic CVTronic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in) (saloon/hatch) 2,830 millimetres (111 in) (estate)
Length	4,611 mm (181.5 in) (saloon/hatch) 4,839 mm (190.5 in) (estate) "OPC" versions 31 mm (1.2 in) longer
Width	1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height	1,460 mm (57.5 in) (saloon/hatch) 1,500 mm (59.1 in) (estate)
Curb weight	1,393 kg (3,071 lb)

Built on the Epsilon platform, the Opel Vectra C of 2002 was initially available as a four-door sedan (saloon) and a five-door hatchback, known as the GTS. A five-door station wagon (estate) was added in 2003. The estate version has a slightly longer wheelbase than the hatchback and sedan versions.

Sharing the 2,830 millimetres (111 in) wheelbase of the estate, an "executive hatchback" sold under the Opel/Vauxhall Signum nameplate. The Signum, which was based partly on the Vectra C, featured a completely different layout in the rear.

The engine range was substantially modified to account for the increased curb weight of the Vectra C. The 90 kW (121 hp) 1.8 litre Family 1 Ecotec engine was reserved for the base model, with the main petrol engine for the Vectra C, making up the vast bulk of production, being the Ecotec 2.2 litre chain driven unit producing 108 Kw (145 bhp); along with a new range topping 3.2 litre 54-Degree V6, with 155 kW (208 hp). In 2003 a 2.0 litre turbocharged Ecotec engine with 129 kW (173 hp) was also notionally offered but was only produced in tiny numbers, rather it being a main engine for another GM brand, Saab. The 2.2 litre was upgraded in 2004 with the 'Direct' name added to the model line indicating the new high pressure direct injection update that increased power output to 115Kw (152 BHP) with improved emissions.

Diesel power, which had become important for commercial success in Europe, is provided by an Isuzu-sourced 3.0 litre DMAX V6 outputting 132 kW (177 hp). The four-cylinder diesel engine was replaced in 2004 by a Fiat-designed 1.9 litre Ecotec CDTI engine capable of producing 89 kW (119 hp) in 8v form and 110 kW (148 hp) in 16v form.

Handling was reported to be much better than the previous Vectra, but reviews still criticise the overlight feel of the steering, fussy one touch indicator switches, and the ungainly styling of the sedan version.

The Vectra C received a facelift in 2006, retaining a similar line of engines. However, the power of the 3.0 diesel was increased to 137 kW (184 hp) and the petrol 3.2 litre V6 engine was replaced by an Australian-built turbocharged 2.8 litre High Feature V6 unit. This Saab co-developed motor could produce 170 kW (228 hp). Opel installed the twin scroll turbo engine in its Signum productline with 185 kW (248 hp) output. The 185 kW (248 hp) version was available for the Vectra later in 2006. Opel also introduced - for the first time - an OPC version of the Vectra, using the VXR name in the United Kingdom. These high-performance variants were only available as hatchbacks and station wagons.

In the United Kingdom the power of the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h (155 mph). In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Vectra ZC series was dropped and replaced by the Holden Epica, a badge-engineered Daewoo Tosca in 2007. Due to stockpiling of 2005 model Vectras for the Australasian market, there was enough supply of the car for deliveries to last through to 2007. As a result facelifted Vectra Cs were not sold in those markets. In 2008, Vectra OPC was available with either 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission (Previous Vectra OPC had manual gearbox only). The 2.8L DOHC V6 turbo engine could generate 206 kW (276 hp).

Sales of the Vectra C in the United Kingdom were not as strong as those of its predecessors. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, but the Vectra C never came higher than tenth in the country's car sales charts, though within its own market-sector it held on to second place, behind the Ford Mondeo. In 2007, it finally made the top 10 of Britain's car sales charts, being the nation's tenth most popular new car with over 50,000 sales, outselling the Ford Mondeo for the first time since 1999. Also, the station wagon variant was awarded Estate Car of the Year 2007, by What Car? magazine.

While the Vectra C has been sold in Mexico and Chile as the Chevrolet Vectra, it is not marketed in Brazil, where Chevrolet opted to sell the Astra H under the Vectra brand from 2006 to 2011. Both local-spec cars are powered by the FlexPower SOHC engine originally introduced in 1982 in the Chevrolet Monza.

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  2006-2009 Opel Vectra C (facelift) Caravan
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  2006-2009 Opel Vectra C (facelift) Caravan
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  2002-2006 Opel Vectra C sedan
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  Opel Vectra C GTS
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  Vauxhall Vectra (United Kingdom)
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  Advanced Front-Lighting System (AFS) headlamps on Vectra

Motorsport

Opel Vectra C, built to the DTM rules

The Vectra was used in several touring car racing series. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Vectra B Super Touring took part in the British Touring Car Championship, the Asia-Pacific Touring Car Championship, the German Super Tourenwagen Cup, the Australian Super Touring Championship, the Japanese Touring Car Championship, the Italian Superturismo Championship, the French Supertouring Championship and the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Uwe Alzen was third in Super Tourenwagen Cup in 1997 and 1998 and second in 1999; John Henderson was runner-up in the 2000/2001 Australian Super Touring Championship; John Cleland was British Touring Car Champion in 1995 and finished third in 1992 and fourth in 1993 and 1994; Yvan Muller was sixth in the 1999 British Touring Car Championship and fourth in 2000; and Nicklas Karlsson was third in the 2002 Swedish Touring Car Championship.

A prototype Vectra B was built to the BTC Touring specifications in 2003 by Triple Eight Race Engineering, with the view to using it in the 2004 BTCC, but it was never raced, despite being shown publicly at the 2004 Birmingham Motor Show as the 'Vectra Diesel Concept'.

After being replaced by the Astra H in the British Touring Car Championship, the Vauxhall Vectra was introduced in 2007. Fabrizio Giovanardi was champion in 2007 and 2008. VX Racing competed in the 2009 season with three Vectras, driven by Giovanardi, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan.

The Vectra has been used as a silhouette racing car: in the Stock Car Brasil in 2000 to 2003 (it was the champion for four seasons) and 2009, in the Argentine Top Race V6 since 2005 (Guillermo Ortelli was 2005 champion), and in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in 2004 and 2005 with little success.

External links

• www.Vauxhall.co.uk - Vauxhall UK
• www.VVOC.com - Vauxhall Vectra Owners Club