The Opel Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. As a compact hatchback (CC – Compact Coupe, though functionally a five-door hatchback), it aimed to blend practicality with a more stylish design than its predecessor. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a popular vehicle in Europe, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406. It served as a crucial model for Opel, demonstrating their advancements in design, safety, and engine technology during the mid-1990s.
Opel Vectra B CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra B, launched in late 1995, was a completely new design compared to the outgoing Vectra A. It featured a more rounded and aerodynamic exterior, reflecting contemporary automotive trends. The “CC” designation signifies the Compact Coupe body style, which, despite the name, is a five-door hatchback. This body style offered a good balance between passenger space, cargo capacity, and a relatively sporty appearance. The 1.8i 16V variant, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a common choice for buyers seeking a comfortable and efficient family vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V is the X18XE inline-four cylinder engine, displacing 1799 cc (109.78 cubic inches). This naturally aspirated engine produces 116 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and cruising. The four-speed automatic transmission offered smooth gear changes, prioritizing comfort over outright speed. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 10.5 seconds. The vehicle has a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 90.7 horsepower per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 132.9 Nm per tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B CC’s design was a departure from the more angular styling of the Vectra A. The rounded body shape, combined with a sloping roofline, gave it a more modern and aerodynamic appearance. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. The hatchback configuration provided a generous 480 liters (16.95 cubic feet) of trunk space, expandable to 790 liters (27.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which was becoming increasingly common on European vehicles. The Vectra B also featured a robust chassis and crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. Other standard features included power steering, central locking, and electric windows. The 1.8i 16V Automatic trim level typically included features like alloy wheels, a radio/cassette player, and upgraded interior trim.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i 16V (116 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | October, 1995 |
| End of production | November, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) |
| 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 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3600 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1799 cm3 (109.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81.6 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1279 kg (2819.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max load | 511 kg (1126.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 790 l (27.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4495 mm (176.97 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Opel Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and reliable choice for European families in the late 1990s. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable performance made it a popular contender in the competitive mid-size segment. It remains a recognizable and fondly remembered vehicle for those who experienced its blend of German engineering and everyday usability.
