The Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) 2.0 DI 16V represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size family car, the Vectra. Introduced as a facelift to the B generation, which ran from 1995 to 2002, this variant focused on refining the existing platform with updated styling, improved safety features, and a range of more efficient engine options. The “Caravan” designation signifies the station wagon (estate) body style, popular in Europe for its practicality and increased cargo capacity. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed with models like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in the European market, offering a blend of comfort, space, and affordability.
Opel Vectra B Caravan: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra B was Opel’s attempt to move upmarket and challenge established players in the D-segment. The facelifted version, launched in 1999, brought a more contemporary look and addressed some criticisms of the original B-series. The 2.0 DI 16V model, powered by a direct injection diesel engine, was aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel economy and lower running costs. This model year saw improvements in build quality and refinement, making the Vectra B a more competitive offering in a crowded market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 1999 Opel Vectra B Caravan 2.0 DI 16V is a 1,995 cc (121.74 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the X20DTL. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger to produce 82 horsepower (Hp) at 4,300 rpm and 185 Newton-meters (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,800 rpm. While the horsepower figure might seem modest by modern standards, the engine’s torque delivery provides reasonable performance for everyday driving and load-carrying. The engine features a compression ratio of 18.5:1 and utilizes a Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 16.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 17 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vectra B Caravan is a five-door station wagon offering seating for five passengers. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including new headlights, a redesigned grille, and updated taillights. The interior was also subtly revised with improved materials and ergonomics. The Caravan body style provides a substantial cargo area, with a minimum capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) expanding to 1,490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for this era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4,490 mm (176.77 in), width 1,707 mm (67.2 in), and height 1,490 mm (58.66 in). The wheelbase measures 2,637 mm (103.82 in). The front suspension utilizes coil springs, as does the rear suspension. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic assistance. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 5.5J x 15 wheels.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 DI 16V (82 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 1999 |
| End of production | February, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 161 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 41.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 1800 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20DTL |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1985 kg (4376.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 595 kg (1311.75 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 | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| 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 | 5.5J x 15 |
The Opel Vectra B Caravan 2.0 DI 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a practical and economical solution for families in the European market. Its blend of space, fuel efficiency, and reasonable comfort made it a popular choice, and the facelifted model represented a refinement of an already capable platform.
