1999-2000 Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift ) 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic

The Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) 2.0i 16V Automatic represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size family car, positioned as a practical and comfortable station wagon (estate) for European buyers. Introduced in February 1999 and continuing through June 2000, this facelifted version of the Vectra B offered refinements to both styling and mechanical components. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B Caravan was a popular choice in Europe for families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle with ample cargo space. It competed with models like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 406 SW.

Opel Vectra B Caravan: An Overview

The Vectra B, launched in 1995, was a crucial model for Opel, aiming to modernize the brand’s image and offer a more competitive vehicle in the crowded D-segment. The Caravan body style, or station wagon, was particularly important in European markets where practicality was highly valued. The 1999 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised headlights and grille, along with interior enhancements. The 2.0i 16V engine, paired with an automatic transmission, provided a balance of performance and convenience for everyday driving.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 1999 Opel Vectra B Caravan 2.0i 16V is the X20XEV inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 1998 cm³ (121.93 cu. in.). This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm and 188 Nm (138.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a respectable power-to-liter ratio of 68.1 Hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.3 kg/Nm.

Design & Features

The Vectra B Caravan is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. Its design prioritizes practicality and space, offering a generous trunk capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4490 mm (176.77 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1490 mm (58.66 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2637 mm (103.82 in.).

Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear employs a coil spring torsion beam arrangement. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. Standard tire sizes were 195/65 R15 or 205/55 R16, mounted on 5.5J x 15 or 6J x 16 inch wheel rims respectively. The drag coefficient of 0.32 contributes to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency.

Technical Specifications

The Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) 2.0i 16V Automatic, while not a performance car, offered a compelling package of practicality, comfort, and reasonable efficiency for European buyers. It remains a representative example of the family estate cars popular during that era.