The Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) 1.8 16V Automatic is a station wagon that represented a significant step forward for Opel in the mid-size family car segment. Produced from 2000 to 2002, this variant of the Vectra B offered a practical and relatively efficient option for European families. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a popular choice in Europe, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The facelifted version, introduced in 1999, brought styling updates and refinements to the original Vectra B, enhancing its appeal and addressing some earlier criticisms.
Opel Vectra B Caravan: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra B Caravan aimed to provide a blend of comfort, practicality, and reasonable performance. The “Caravan” designation signifies the station wagon (estate) body style, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the sedan version. The 1.8 16V engine, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a common configuration, balancing fuel economy with adequate power for everyday driving. This model was positioned as a versatile vehicle suitable for both commuting and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B Caravan 1.8 16V is a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z18XE. This engine produces 125 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides sufficient power for typical driving conditions. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and efficiency. The four-speed automatic transmission delivers seamless gear changes, enhancing driving comfort. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11 seconds, while the top speed is rated at 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 11.1 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 8.2 kg/Nm indicate a reasonable balance between weight and output.
Design & Features
The Vectra B Caravan boasts a practical and functional design. As a station wagon, its primary focus is maximizing interior space and cargo capacity. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and provides 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to a substantial 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The exterior styling of the facelifted model features revised headlights, a redesigned grille, and updated bumpers, giving it a more modern appearance. Standard safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The hydraulic power steering provides ease of maneuverability. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating and a functional dashboard layout. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4490 mm (176.77 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1490 mm (58.66 in.) in height – provide ample space for passengers and cargo.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | February, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 29.4 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 35.3 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 12.5 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3800 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1905 kg (4199.81 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1490 l (52.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4490 mm (176.77 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1473 mm (57.99 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 160 mm (6.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Opel Vectra B Caravan 1.8 16V Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and practical choice for families in Europe. Its combination of reasonable performance, ample space, and comfortable features made it a popular contender in the competitive mid-size station wagon segment.
