The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 1.6i represents a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation Vectra, a large family car engineered by the German automaker Opel. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406. The facelifted version, introduced in 1999, brought styling updates and minor mechanical revisions to enhance its appeal. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing 75 horsepower, was aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability within the segment.
Opel Vectra B: A European Family Sedan
The Vectra B, launched in 1995, was a crucial model for Opel, intended to modernize the brand’s image and offer a competitive alternative in the crowded D-segment. The 1999 facelift focused on improving the car’s aesthetics and addressing some criticisms leveled at the original design. The changes included revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and refinements to the engine range. The 1.6i model served as the entry point to the Vectra B lineup, offering a balance between practicality and running costs. It was primarily marketed towards families and individuals seeking a reliable and spacious sedan.
Engine & Performance
The 1999 Opel Vectra B 1.6i is equipped with the X16SZR engine, a 1.6-liter (1598 cm3) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 128 Nm (94.41 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2800 rpm. The engine utilizes a single-point fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 15.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 14.7 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 15.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) combined, with 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are 177 g/km.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 1.6i is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. The facelift brought a more streamlined appearance, with a revised grille, headlights, and bumpers. The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides a reasonably spacious cabin for its class. Standard features typically included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and drum brakes on the rear wheels. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was also included as a safety feature. The trunk offers a practical 480-500 liters (16.95-17.66 cu. ft.) of cargo space. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4495 mm (176.97 in), width 1707 mm (67.2 in), height 1425 mm (56.1 in), and wheelbase 2637 mm (103.82 in). The curb weight is 1170 kg (2579.41 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 177 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 2800 rpm (94.41 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X16SZR |
| 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 | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.25 l (3.43 US qt | 2.86 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1170 kg (2579.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 500 l (17.66 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 track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
