The Opel Vectra A CC 1.6 S Automatic, produced between 1988 and 1992, represents a significant step forward for Opel in the mid-size family car segment. As the first generation of the Vectra, designated the ‘A’ series, it replaced the aging Ascona and Manta models, offering a more modern and refined package. The “CC” designation stands for “Caravan Combi,” indicating a hatchback body style, popular in European markets. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra A was a key player in the competitive European market, offering a practical and relatively affordable option for families and commuters.
Opel Vectra A CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra A was designed to appeal to a broad audience, emphasizing practicality, comfort, and a degree of style. It aimed to compete with established rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 405. The 1.6 S variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an automatic transmission, was positioned as a mainstream offering, balancing performance with fuel efficiency and ease of driving. The Vectra A’s introduction marked a shift towards more aerodynamic designs and improved safety features compared to its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra A CC 1.6 S is a 1.6-liter (1598 cm3 or 97.52 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated 16SV, produces 82 horsepower (Hp) at 5200 rpm and 130 Newton-meters (95.88 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2600 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The power-to-weight ratio of 12.6 kg/Hp (79.2 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 8 kg/Nm (125.6 Nm/tonne) reflect a balanced, if not particularly sporty, character. The engine utilizes a carburetor fuel injection system and a naturally aspirated configuration, typical for vehicles of this era. The engine’s overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain contributes to its relatively efficient operation. Maximum speed is rated at 170 km/h (105.63 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l).
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design, while somewhat conservative by modern standards, was considered contemporary for the late 1980s, featuring a relatively streamlined silhouette. The interior provides seating for five passengers and offers a reasonable level of comfort. Key features for the time included hydraulic power steering, and, importantly, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on mid-range vehicles. The hatchback configuration provides a generous amount of cargo space, ranging from a minimum of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1290 liters (45.56 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4352 mm (171.34 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1400 mm (55.12 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2600 mm (102.36 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 S (82 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1988 |
| End of production | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 2600 rpm (95.88 lb.-ft. @ 2600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 16SV |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1035 kg (2281.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1290 l (45.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4352 mm (171.34 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system), Hydraulic Power Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vectra A CC 1.6 S Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represents a solid and dependable family car from the late 1980s. Its blend of practicality, affordability, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in the European market, and it laid the foundation for the subsequent generations of the Vectra, which would continue to evolve and compete in the ever-changing automotive landscape.
