The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, specifically the facelifted 1998 model with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, represents a relatively short-lived but significant offering in the mid-size SUV segment. While the Monterey nameplate wasn’t widely recognized in the United States, it was a key vehicle for Vauxhall (a subsidiary of General Motors) in the United Kingdom and European markets. Positioned as a robust, all-terrain vehicle, the Monterey aimed to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and off-road capability. This iteration, produced from 1998 to 1999, featured updates to styling and equipment, attempting to solidify its position against increasingly competitive rivals.
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: A European SUV
The Monterey Mk II was essentially a rebadged and slightly modified Isuzu Trooper, a result of GM’s partnership with Isuzu. This collaboration allowed Vauxhall to enter the growing SUV market without the extensive development costs. The Monterey served as a more affordable and accessible alternative to some of the more premium SUV offerings of the time. The 1998 facelift brought minor cosmetic changes, primarily to the front fascia, and refinements to the interior. It was offered exclusively with five doors and five seats, catering to families and those needing a versatile vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey Mk II was the 6VE1 3.5-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produced 215 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine featured a 9.4:1 compression ratio and multi-port fuel injection. While not a high-revving engine, the V6 provided adequate power for both on-road cruising and moderate off-road excursions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 9 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.3 kg/Nm contributed to reasonable, if not exceptional, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 11.8 seconds, while the 0-60 mph sprint was calculated at 11.2 seconds. The Monterey Mk II had a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). Fuel economy was a notable weakness, with urban consumption reaching 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg). The engine was longitudinally mounted and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, sending power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system.
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II presented a traditional SUV silhouette, characterized by its boxy shape and relatively high ground clearance. The 1998 facelift brought subtle changes to the front grille and headlights, giving it a slightly more modern appearance. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4795 mm (188.78 in) in length, 1835 mm (72.24 in) in width, and 1840 mm (72.44 in) in height – positioned it squarely within the mid-size SUV category. The wheelbase measured 2760 mm (108.66 in).
Inside, the Monterey Mk II offered a functional, if somewhat basic, interior. The focus was on practicality and durability rather than luxury. Features included seating for five passengers, and a reasonably sized cargo area. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The Monterey’s all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction in challenging conditions, making it suitable for light off-road use. Standard tire size was 215/80 R16, mounted on 16-inch wheel rims. The vehicle’s kerb weight was 1945 kg (4287.99 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 655 kg (1444.03 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (5 dr) (facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 24V (215 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 215 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 3000 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VE1 |
| Engine displacement | 3494 cm3 (213.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.4 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1945 kg (4287.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 655 kg (1444.03 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4795 mm (188.78 in.) |
| Width | 1835 mm (72.24 in.) |
| Height | 1840 mm (72.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 215/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, offered a practical and capable SUV option for European buyers in the late 1990s. Its reliance on Isuzu technology provided a cost-effective solution for Vauxhall, allowing them to compete in a rapidly expanding market segment. However, its relatively poor fuel economy and somewhat dated interior ultimately limited its long-term success, leading to its discontinuation after just two years of production.
