The Opel Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) 1.8 16V represents a significant iteration of Opel’s mid-size offering, positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat in the European market. Introduced in 1999 as a facelift to the already established Vectra B, this model aimed to refine the design and enhance the overall driving experience. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort Coupe,” highlighting the model’s five-door hatchback body style, which offered a blend of practicality and a more streamlined appearance compared to the traditional sedan. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a popular choice for families and fleet buyers across Europe, known for its reliability and reasonable running costs.
Opel Vectra B CC (Facelift 1999) 1.8 16V: An Overview
The facelifted Vectra B, produced from 2000 to 2002, featured subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised headlights, a new front grille, and updated interior trim. The 1.8 16V engine variant, producing 125 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Vectra B lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This model catered to drivers seeking a comfortable and practical vehicle for everyday use, with enough power for confident highway cruising. The Vectra B’s success lay in its ability to provide a well-rounded package at a competitive price point, making it a popular choice in a crowded segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 1.8 16V is the Z18XE engine, an inline four-cylinder, naturally aspirated powerplant displacing 1796 cubic centimeters (109.6 cubic inches). This engine delivers a maximum power output of 125 horsepower at 5600 rpm and a torque of 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) at 3800 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. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 208 km/h (129.25 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 8 kg/Nm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design emphasizes a blend of functionality and contemporary aesthetics. The facelifted model features a more refined front end, with updated headlights and a revised grille. Inside, the Vectra B offers seating for five passengers and a generous 480-liter (16.95 cu. ft.) trunk space, expandable to 1180 liters (41.67 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s suspension utilizes coil springs on both the front and rear axles, providing a comfortable ride. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheel rims with 195/65 R15 tires. The Vectra B prioritized practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for families and commuters.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | February, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 30.2 |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 36.2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 208 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 129.25 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3800 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 125.39 @ 3800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 109.6 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.17 |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.47 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 4.49 |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.74 |
| Coolant | 7.3 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 7.71 |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 6.42 |
| Kerb Weight | 1360 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 2998.29 |
| Max. weight | 1815 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 4001.39 |
| Max load | 455 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 1003.1 |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 16.95 |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1180 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 41.67 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 15.85 |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 13.2 |
| Length | 4495 mm |
| Length (in.) | 176.97 |
| Width | 1707 mm |
| Width (in.) | 67.2 |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm |
| Width including mirrors (in.) | 72.48 |
| Height | 1425 mm |
| Height (in.) | 56.1 |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.82 |
| Front track | 1484 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 58.43 |
| Rear (Back) track | 1487 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 58.54 |
| 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 | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
