The Opel Vectra B (facelift 1999) 2.2 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 after a 1999 facelift, offered a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance aimed at the European family car market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed with models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406, offering a compelling alternative in the crowded D-segment.
Opel Vectra B: A Refined Family Sedan
The Vectra B facelift brought with it revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engine options. The 2.2 16V model, producing 147 horsepower, was positioned as a strong performer within the range, offering a balance between fuel economy and driving enjoyment. Production of this specific configuration ran from July 2000 to January 2002, marking a relatively short but important period in the Vectra B’s lifecycle. The Vectra B was a key model for Opel, representing a move towards more modern design and engineering, and laying the groundwork for future models.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra B 2.2 16V lies a naturally aspirated, 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the Z22SE. This engine produces a maximum power output of 147 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 203 Nm (149.73 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its responsive performance. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while reaching 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The vehicle boasts a top speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B facelift is a four-door sedan with a practical and understated design. The body style prioritizes passenger space and cargo capacity, making it well-suited for family use. The interior offers seating for five occupants and features a functional layout with a focus on ergonomics. Key features of the 1999 facelift included revised front and rear styling, updated dashboard materials, and improved sound insulation. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The trunk offers a generous 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) of space in its standard configuration, expanding to 1240 liters (43.79 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s drag coefficient of 0.30 contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (147 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | January, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12 l/100 km (19.6 US mpg, 23.5 UK mpg, 8.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 202 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm (149.73 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22SE |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1420 kg (3130.56 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1240 l (43.79 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.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| 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 | 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 2.2 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for European drivers seeking a comfortable and practical family sedan. Its blend of efficiency, reasonable performance, and spaciousness made it a popular choice in its segment.
