The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.7 TD represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size offering, positioned as a family sedan designed for the European market. Introduced in August 1992 and continuing through July 1995, this facelifted version of the original Vectra A aimed to refine the model’s aesthetics and enhance its appeal to a broader customer base. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra A played a crucial role in Opel’s lineup, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The 1.7 TD variant, powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, focused on fuel efficiency and practicality, catering to drivers prioritizing economy over outright performance.
Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.7 TD: An Overview
The Vectra A, launched in 1988, was Opel’s replacement for the Ascona and Manta models. The 1992 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and improvements to the engine range. The 1.7 TD model specifically targeted buyers seeking a cost-effective and reliable vehicle for daily commuting and long-distance travel. Its turbocharged diesel engine provided reasonable performance while delivering commendable fuel economy, making it a popular choice in Europe where diesel fuel was – and remains – comparatively affordable.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra A 1.7 TD is a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 17DT. This engine produces 82 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 168 Nm (123.91 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the turbocharger helps to mitigate the inherent limitations of a small-displacement diesel, providing a usable amount of power for everyday driving. The engine features precombustion chamber injection, a common diesel technology of the era, and a compression ratio of 22:1. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.8 seconds. The top speed is rated at 176 km/h (109.36 mph). The engine’s fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (35.6 US mpg), reflecting its focus on efficiency. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.7 TD is a four-door sedan with a relatively conservative and functional design. The facelifted model features a more streamlined front end and updated taillights compared to the original Vectra A. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering 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 trunk offers a generous amount of space, ranging from 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 840 liters (29.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4432 mm (174.49 in.) in length, 1706 mm (67.17 in.) in width, and 1400 mm (55.12 in.) in height. The curb weight is 1169 kg (2577.2 lbs), and the maximum permissible weight is 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra A (facelift 1992) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 TD (82 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1992 |
| End of production | July, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h (109.36 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 48.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 168 Nm @ 2400 rpm (123.91 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 17DT |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1169 kg (2577.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs.) |
| Max load | 521 kg (1148.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 840 l (29.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4432 mm (174.49 in.) |
| Width | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1426 mm (56.14 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vectra A (facelift 1992) 1.7 TD, while not a performance icon, represents a practical and efficient vehicle that served a significant role in the European automotive landscape. Its combination of fuel economy, reasonable space, and available safety features made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
