The Opel Vectra A CC (facelift 1992) 2.0i 16V Automatic, produced from March 1994 to July 1995, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Positioned as a family-oriented hatchback, the Vectra A aimed to provide a practical and comfortable alternative to traditional sedans, particularly within the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Vectra A provides insight into the engineering and design philosophies prevalent in European automotive manufacturing during the early 1990s. This facelifted version of the original Vectra A incorporated styling and mechanical refinements, enhancing its appeal and competitiveness.
Opel Vectra A CC: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra A was Opel’s replacement for the Ascona and Manta models, representing a move towards more modern, aerodynamic designs and improved technology. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Chassis,” highlighting Opel’s focus on ride quality and handling. The 1992 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised headlights, grille, and bumpers, along with interior upgrades. The 2.0i 16V variant, equipped with an automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance between performance and convenience.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra A CC 2.0i 16V lies the X20XEV inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 1998 cm³ (121.93 cu. in.). This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 188 Nm (138.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The multi-port fuel injection system and double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain contribute to its relatively efficient operation and responsive power delivery. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra A CC achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.9 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.6 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design prioritizes functionality and space, with a focus on passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The hatchback configuration provides easy access to the trunk, which offers a minimum volume of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) and expands to 1290 liters (45.56 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering seating for five passengers. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and hydraulic power steering. While not boasting the advanced safety technologies of modern vehicles, these features represented a significant step forward in automotive safety during the early 1990s. 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, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm (102.36 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A CC (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | March, 1994 |
| End of production | July, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 35.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 42.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 14.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 124.27 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 121.93 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 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 |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 4.23 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.52 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.2 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 7.61 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 6.34 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1245 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 2744.76 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1755 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 3869.11 lbs. |
| Max load | 510 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 1124.36 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 16.24 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1290 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 45.56 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 16.11 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 13.42 UK gal |
| Length | 4352 mm |
| Length (in.) | 171.34 in. |
| Width | 1706 mm |
| Width (in.) | 67.17 in. |
| Height | 1400 mm |
| Height (in.) | 55.12 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 102.36 in. |
| Front track | 1426 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 56.14 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1432 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 56.38 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Opel Vectra A CC 2.0i 16V Automatic, while not a performance icon, offered a compelling package of practicality, comfort, and reasonable efficiency for European buyers in the early 1990s. Its design and features reflect the automotive trends of the time, and its technical specifications provide a snapshot of the engineering capabilities of Opel during this period.
