The Opel Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2004 and 2005, represents a significant iteration in Opel’s mid-size family car lineage. The “C” designation denotes the third generation of the Vectra, and “CC” signifies the Comfort Coupe body style – a five-door hatchback designed to offer a blend of practicality and style. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular vehicle in Europe, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406. This particular variant, equipped with a 2.2-liter gasoline engine and automatic transmission, aimed to provide a comfortable and efficient driving experience for families and commuters.
Opel Vectra C CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra nameplate has a long history within Opel, dating back to 1988. The C generation, launched in 2002, marked a substantial leap forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement. The Comfort Coupe (CC) body style, a five-door hatchback, was particularly popular for its spacious interior and versatile cargo capacity. Opel, as a General Motors subsidiary, leveraged GM technology and engineering expertise in the development of the Vectra C, resulting in a vehicle that offered a competitive package in the European market. The Vectra C aimed to balance affordability with a degree of sophistication, appealing to a broad customer base.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V DIRECT is a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z22YH. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection – a technology that improves fuel efficiency and power output by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Producing 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm, the engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving. The power-to-weight ratio of 9.5 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 6.7 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive feel. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra C CC achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 212 km/h (131.73 mph). Fuel economy figures are rated at 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg) combined, 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) in urban conditions, and 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra C CC boasts a contemporary hatchback design for its time. Its five-door configuration provides easy access to both front and rear seats, while the sloping roofline contributes to a more dynamic appearance. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.), expanding to a substantial 1360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s dimensions – 4596 mm (180.94 in.) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in.) in width, and 1460 mm (57.48 in.) in height – position it squarely within the mid-size segment. The front suspension utilizes a spring strut setup, while the rear employs a multi-link system for improved ride comfort and handling. Standard tire size is 215/55 R16, mounted on 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | January, 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1945 kg (4287.99 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1360 l (48.03 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.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Rear track | 1513 mm (59.57 in.) |
| Front overhang | 905 mm (35.63 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 991 mm (39.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 CC 2.2i 16V DIRECT Automatic, while not a performance icon, offered a well-rounded package for European drivers seeking a practical, comfortable, and reasonably efficient family car. Its blend of modern technology, spacious interior, and respectable performance made it a competitive contender in the crowded mid-size segment.
