The Opel Vectra C 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) is a mid-size family car produced by the German manufacturer Opel between 2004 and 2005. Part of the Vectra C generation (2002-2008), this model represented a significant step forward in Opel’s offerings, aiming to compete with established rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra C was a popular choice in Europe, known for its blend of practicality, comfort, and relatively sporty handling. The 2.2i 16V DIRECT variant, with its direct injection technology, was positioned as a performance-oriented option within the Vectra C range.
Opel Vectra C 2.2i 16V DIRECT: An Overview
The Vectra C marked a departure from previous Vectra models, featuring a more modern and aerodynamic design. It was available in several body styles, including a sedan, hatchback (liftback), and station wagon (caravan). The 2.2i 16V DIRECT model specifically focused on delivering a balance between fuel efficiency and performance, utilizing Opel’s direct injection technology to optimize combustion and power output. This engine was considered a strong performer for its time, offering a noticeable upgrade over the base engine options.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra C 2.2i 16V DIRECT lies a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z22YH. This engine produces 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine’s direct injection system, a key feature, allows for precise fuel delivery directly into the combustion chamber, resulting in improved fuel economy and increased power. The power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 70.5 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.6 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.4 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.6 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive driving experience.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra C 2.2i 16V DIRECT is a four-door sedan, offering seating for five passengers. Its design was characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic, typical of European cars of the early 2000s. The interior focused on providing a comfortable and practical environment for both driver and passengers. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, and central locking. Safety features, increasingly important at the time, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk offered a generous amount of space, ranging from 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1050 liters (37.08 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down, making it a practical choice for families. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4596 mm (180.94 in.) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in.) in width, and 1460 mm (57.48 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm (106.3 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3800 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22YH |
| 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 | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1930 kg (4254.92 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4596 mm (180.94 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Opel Vectra C 2.2i 16V DIRECT, while not a high-volume seller outside of Europe, represented a solid offering in the mid-size segment. Its combination of a responsive engine, practical design, and reasonable fuel economy made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike. It remains a notable example of Opel’s engineering capabilities during the early 2000s.
