The Opel Vectra A CC 2.0i, produced between 1988 and 1989, represents a significant step forward for Opel in the mid-size family car segment. As the first generation of the Vectra, it replaced the aging Ascona and Manta models, offering a more modern and refined package. The “CC” designation stands for “Caravan Combi,” indicating this specific model is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. This article details the technical specifications and characteristics of the 1988-1989 Opel Vectra A CC 2.0i (115 Hp).
Opel Vectra A CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra A was designed to appeal to a broader audience than its predecessors, emphasizing comfort, safety, and practicality. It was a crucial model for Opel, aiming to establish a strong presence in the competitive mid-size market. The hatchback body style, as seen in the CC variant, provided increased cargo space and accessibility compared to traditional sedans, making it a popular choice for families. The Vectra A laid the foundation for subsequent generations, which would become increasingly sophisticated and technologically advanced.
Engine & Performance
The 2.0i variant of the Vectra A CC is powered by a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder engine, designated the 20NE. This engine displaces 1998 cm³ (121.93 cu. in.) and produces 115 horsepower at 5400 rpm. Torque output is rated at 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) at 2600 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. This configuration provides a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.6 kg/Nm. Power delivery is relatively smooth, making it suitable for everyday driving. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10 seconds. The top speed is rated at 198 km/h (123.03 mph).
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A CC features a practical and functional design. Its five-door hatchback configuration offers easy access to the interior and a generous cargo area. The exterior styling is typical of late 1980s European design, characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated appearance. Inside, the Vectra A CC provides seating for five passengers. Key features include hydraulic power steering and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which were becoming increasingly common safety features during this period. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable and functional space for both driver and passengers. Trunk space is a notable feature, ranging from a minimum of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1290 liters (45.56 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4352 mm (171.34 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1400 mm (55.12 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1988 |
| End of production | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg / 27.4 UK mpg / 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg / 50.4 UK mpg / 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg / 39.8 UK mpg / 14.1 km/l) |
| 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 | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 2600 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 2600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 20NE |
| 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 | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1130 kg (2491.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1290 l (45.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4352 mm (171.34 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 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), Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vectra A CC 2.0i, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a solid and reliable package for European drivers in the late 1980s. Its combination of practicality, comfort, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in its segment, and it played a key role in establishing Opel as a major player in the mid-size car market.
