The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 2.0i 16V represents a significant refinement of the Vectra B series, a mid-size car produced by the German manufacturer Opel from 1995 to 2002. This particular iteration, released with a facelift in 1999, aimed to enhance the model’s appeal with updated styling, improved features, and a focus on driving dynamics. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a popular choice in Europe as a practical and relatively affordable family sedan, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The 2.0i 16V variant, producing 136 horsepower, was a common engine choice, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.
Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 2.0i 16V: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra B facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised headlights, a new grille, and updated bumpers. These alterations gave the car a more modern and streamlined appearance. Internally, improvements were made to the interior trim and available equipment, aiming to elevate the overall driving experience. The 2.0i 16V model occupied a sweet spot in the Vectra B lineup, offering a good compromise between performance and economy for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra B 2.0i 16V lies a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the X20XEV. This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 188 Nm (138.66 lb-ft) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high power output for its displacement – 68.1 horsepower per liter. 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 10 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.2 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B facelift 1999 is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. It offers seating for five passengers and a practical 500-liter (17.66 cubic feet) trunk space, expandable to 790 liters (27.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The car’s design prioritizes functionality and practicality, offering a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing responsive and precise handling. The suspension utilizes coil springs on both the front and rear axles, offering a balance between ride comfort and handling stability. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 5.5J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 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) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 205 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3400 rpm (138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1345 kg (2965.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1860 kg (4100.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 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.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| 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 | 5.5J x 15 |
The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 2.0i 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for European drivers seeking a practical and comfortable mid-size sedan. Its blend of reasonable performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality made it a popular choice in its segment.
