The Opel Vectra A CC 1.8i Automatic, produced between September 1988 and July 1989, 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, aiming to offer a more modern and refined driving experience. The “CC” designation stands for “Caravan Combi,” indicating a hatchback body style, offering increased practicality compared to traditional saloons. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This model, equipped with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic transmission, provided a balance of affordability and convenience for European drivers.
Opel Vectra A CC: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra A was a crucial model for Opel, marking a shift towards more contemporary design and engineering. It was designed to appeal to a broader audience, offering a comfortable ride, reasonable performance, and a spacious interior. The hatchback configuration of the CC model further enhanced its appeal, providing greater versatility for families and those needing to transport larger items. The introduction of features like ABS (on some models) demonstrated Opel’s commitment to safety, albeit at a relatively early stage of adoption for the segment.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Vectra A CC 1.8i Automatic is powered by a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder 1.8-liter (1796 cm3 or 109.6 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine produces 90 horsepower (Hp) at 5400 rpm and 145 Newton-meters (106.95 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 15 seconds and a maximum speed of 177 km/h (109.98 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 11.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.4 kg/Nm suggest a moderate, rather than sporty, driving experience. Fuel economy is rated at 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Vectra A CC is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design, while typical of the late 1980s, was considered modern for its time, featuring a relatively streamlined silhouette and a practical interior layout. The hatchback body style provides a generous amount of cargo space, ranging from 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1290 liters (45.56 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Key features included hydraulic power steering, ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, and disc brakes on the rear. The inclusion of ABS, while not standard on all models, was a notable safety feature for the era. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating and a functional dashboard layout. 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, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm (102.36 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 1988 |
| End of production | July, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 32.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h (109.98 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 3000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 18SV |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1075 kg (2369.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 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 track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vectra A CC 1.8i Automatic, while not a performance car, offered a practical and comfortable transportation solution for European families in the late 1980s. Its blend of affordability, space, and convenience contributed to its success in a competitive market segment. It laid the foundation for subsequent Vectra generations, which would continue to evolve and refine Opel’s offering in the mid-size car category.
