The Opel Vectra B CC 1.6i 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Part of the B generation of the Vectra, 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 vehicle in Europe, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter engine producing 101 horsepower, was aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfortable daily driving over outright performance.
Opel Vectra B CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra B, launched in late 1995, was a crucial model for Opel (a subsidiary of General Motors). It represented a substantial leap forward in terms of design, safety, and technology compared to its predecessor, the Vectra A. The B generation aimed to address criticisms of the A model’s somewhat bland styling and interior. The CC (Coupé Comfort) body style, with its sloping rear roofline, was particularly popular, offering a more modern and dynamic appearance. It provided a larger, more accessible cargo area than a traditional sedan, enhancing its practicality for families and those needing to transport larger items. The Vectra B was a mainstay of the European car market, known for its reliability and relatively affordable price point.
Engine & Performance
The 1.6i 16V engine powering the Vectra B CC is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder unit, designated the X16XEL. This engine displaces 1598 cubic centimeters (97.52 cubic inches) and produces 101 horsepower at 6200 rpm, and 150 Nm (110.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and reasonable fuel efficiency. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra B CC 1.6i 16V achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 14.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 178 km/h (110.6 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 12 kg/Hp indicates a modest power output relative to the vehicle’s weight. Fuel economy is rated at 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a blend of practicality and style. Its sloping roofline and relatively compact dimensions (4495 mm/176.97 in. long, 1707 mm/67.2 in. wide, and 1425 mm/56.1 in. high) make it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The interior is designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with a focus on ergonomics and functionality. Key features for this era included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was also included, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The trunk offers a generous 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1215 kg (2678.62 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1745 kg (3847.07 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (101 Hp) Automatic |
| 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) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 101 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| 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 capacity | 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 | 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) |
| 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 Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical and comfortable transportation solution for European families in the late 1990s. Its blend of hatchback practicality, reasonable fuel economy, and available safety features made it a competitive choice in the crowded mid-size segment.
