The Opel Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) 2.5i V6 represents a refined iteration of Opel’s mid-size offering, positioned as a practical and comfortable family vehicle. Introduced as part of the B generation Vectra, which ran from 1995 to 2002, the Caravan (estate/station wagon) body style prioritized cargo capacity and versatility. The 1999 facelift brought styling updates and mechanical improvements, including this 2.5-liter V6 engine option paired with an automatic transmission. While the Vectra was a mainstay in European markets, it was not officially sold in the United States. This model competed with other European station wagons like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 406 Break, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and relative affordability.
Opel Vectra B Caravan: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra B Caravan aimed to provide a compelling alternative to traditional sedans, catering to buyers needing increased space and utility. The facelifted model, produced from 2000 to 2002, featured subtle cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, along with interior enhancements. The 2.5i V6 variant was positioned as the premium offering within the Caravan lineup, providing a more powerful and refined driving experience compared to the four-cylinder options.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B Caravan 2.5i V6 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter (2498 cm3) V6 engine, designated the Y26SE. This engine produces 170 horsepower (Hp) at 5800 rpm and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.1 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. The engine has a compression ratio of 10:1 and requires 4.75 liters (5.02 US qt) of engine oil.
Design & Features
The Vectra B Caravan is a five-door station wagon with a seating capacity for five passengers. Its design emphasizes practicality and functionality, with a large cargo area accessible through a rear tailgate. The facelifted model features a more modern and streamlined appearance compared to the pre-facelift version. Key features include a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and a generous trunk capacity. The trunk offers 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up and expands to 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the era included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). 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. It has a wheelbase of 2637 mm (103.82 in.) and a curb weight of 1397 kg (3079.86 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B Caravan (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i V6 (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | January, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg, 18.8 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 3200 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y26SE |
| Engine displacement | 2498 cm3 (152.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 81.6 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.6 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1397 kg (3079.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 568 kg (1252.23 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 | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Opel Vectra B Caravan 2.5i V6 (facelift 1999) offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, comfortable, and reasonably powerful station wagon. While not available in the US market, it represents a significant model in Opel’s history and a testament to the popularity of the estate car body style in Europe.
