The Opel Vectra B CC 1.6i 16V, produced from October 1995 to November 1998, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Part of the Vectra B generation, the “CC” designation signifies the *Coupé Comfort* body style – a five-door hatchback designed to offer a more streamlined and practical alternative to traditional sedans. 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. It aimed to provide a balance of comfort, practicality, and affordability for family and business users.
Opel Vectra B CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra B series marked a substantial leap forward for Opel, introducing a more modern design and improved engineering compared to its predecessor. The CC variant, with its hatchback configuration, prioritized versatility and cargo space. This model was particularly well-received in markets where hatchbacks were favored for their ease of access and efficient use of space. The 1.6i 16V engine option was positioned as an entry-level offering, focusing on fuel economy and reasonable performance for everyday driving.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 1.6i 16V is a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the X16XEL. This naturally aspirated engine produces 101 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 188 km/h (116.82 mph). While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 1.6i engine provided adequate power for typical commuting and highway driving. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 8.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC boasts a contemporary five-door hatchback body style for its time. Its design emphasized aerodynamic efficiency and a relatively spacious interior. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and provides a generous 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern standards, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior focused on practicality and comfort, with a functional dashboard layout and durable materials. Hydraulic power steering was standard, enhancing ease of maneuverability. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2637 mm (103.82 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (101 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 1995 |
| End of production | November, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 181 g/km |
| 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 | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3200 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X16XEL |
| 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 | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.25 l (3.43 US qt | 2.86 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1745 kg (3847.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 790 l (27.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4495 mm (176.97 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Opel Vectra B CC 1.6i 16V, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and practical choice for European drivers in the late 1990s. Its blend of affordability, practicality, and reasonable performance made it a popular contender in the competitive mid-size segment.
