The Opel Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant evolution in Opel’s mid-size offerings. Part of the Vectra B generation (1995-2002), the “CC” designation denotes the *Coupé Comfort* body style – a five-door hatchback designed to offer a more streamlined and practical alternative to traditional sedans. 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 aimed to provide a balance of comfort, practicality, and reasonable performance for family and business users.
Opel Vectra B CC: A European Family Car
The Vectra B marked a departure from its predecessor, the Vectra A, with a more rounded and aerodynamic design. Opel focused on improving interior space, safety features, and overall refinement. The CC variant, with its hatchback configuration, prioritized cargo versatility, making it a popular choice for those needing a flexible vehicle. The 2.0i 16V engine, paired with an automatic transmission, was a common configuration, offering a blend of acceptable performance and ease of driving. The Vectra B was a key model for Opel during a period of significant investment in new technologies and design philosophies.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V is the X20XEV inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 1,998 cubic centimeters (121.93 cubic inches). This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 188 Newton-meters (138.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra B CC achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.5 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The power-to-weight ratio of 9.6 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.9 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced performance profile for its time. Fuel economy figures are rated at 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg) in urban conditions, 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) combined.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and accessible body style. Its design emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency, with a rounded profile and integrated bumpers. The interior is designed for comfort and functionality, providing seating for five passengers. Key features of the Vectra B CC included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 480 liters (16.95 cubic feet), expanding to 790 liters (27.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,495 mm (176.97 inches) in length, 1,707 mm (67.2 inches) in width, and 1,425 mm (56.1 inches) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,640 mm (103.94 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | November, 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 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 | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3200 rpm (138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 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 | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 CC 2.0i 16V Automatic, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for European drivers. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable running costs made it a popular choice in a competitive segment. It represents a key step in Opel’s development of modern family vehicles, incorporating features and technologies that would become commonplace in subsequent generations.
