The Opel Vectra A CC (facelift 1992) 1.8i CAT (90 Hp) represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Introduced in August 1992 and continuing through July 1995, this model was a key component of the Vectra A series, a car designed to replace the aging Ascona and Manta. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Communication,” highlighting the focus on improved passenger amenities and technology for the time. While not widely sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This facelifted version brought styling updates and refinements to the original Vectra A, solidifying its position in the competitive D-segment.
Opel Vectra A CC (facelift 1992): A Detailed Overview
The Vectra A CC aimed to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable performance for the average European driver. It was available primarily as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, with the hatchback being the focus of this article. The 1.8i CAT variant, powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine, was a common choice, offering a balance between fuel economy and power. The “CAT” designation indicates the presence of a catalytic converter, reflecting increasing environmental regulations in Europe during the early 1990s.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra A CC 1.8i CAT lies the C18NZ engine, a 1796 cc (109.6 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder powerplant. This naturally aspirated engine produces 90 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 Nm (106.95 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a single-point fuel injection system, a common technology for the era, and features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Performance figures reflect the car’s positioning as a practical family vehicle; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 183 km/h (113.71 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time. The engine requires 4 liters (4.23 US qt) of oil and 7.2 liters (7.61 US qt) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A CC (facelift 1992) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design, while typical of early 1990s automotive aesthetics, was considered modern for its time, featuring a relatively streamlined silhouette and a spacious interior. The hatchback configuration provides enhanced cargo capacity compared to the sedan version. Inside, the Vectra A CC prioritized comfort and functionality. It seats five passengers and offers a trunk volume 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. Safety features, while limited by the standards of today, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as an option, and hydraulic power steering was standard. The car’s curb weight of 1124 kg (2478 lbs) contributes to its manageable handling characteristics. The vehicle rides on 14-inch wheels with tire size 175/70 R14.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A CC (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i CAT (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1992 |
| End of production | July, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 30.9 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 37.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.2 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 183 km/h (113.71 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 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 | C18NZ |
| 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 | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1124 kg (2478 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 506 kg (1115.54 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| 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 (facelift 1992) 1.8i CAT, while not a performance icon, represented a solid and reliable choice for European drivers seeking a practical and comfortable mid-size vehicle. Its blend of affordability, functionality, and reasonable efficiency made it a popular choice in a competitive market segment.
