The Opel Vectra B CC (facelift, 1999) 1.8i 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 as a comprehensive update to the already successful Vectra B, the facelift brought revised styling, improved interior appointments, and refinements to the engine lineup. This particular variant, powered by a 1.8-liter 16-valve gasoline engine producing 115 horsepower, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Vectra B, in general, was a crucial model for Opel, representing a move towards more modern design and engineering principles.
Opel Vectra B CC (Facelift 1999) 1.8i 16V: An Overview
The Vectra B CC (Comfort Coupe) facelift, produced between 1999 and 2000, built upon the foundation laid by the original Vectra B, launched in 1995. The “CC” designation refers to the hatchback body style, which was particularly popular in Europe. Unlike some of its competitors that favored traditional saloon (sedan) configurations, the Vectra B offered a more practical and versatile hatchback option. The facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised headlights, a new grille, and updated bumpers. These changes aimed to modernize the car’s appearance and enhance its appeal to a broader range of buyers. The 1.8i 16V engine was a mainstay of the Vectra B range, offering a good compromise between power and economy.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 1999 Opel Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V is the X18XE1 engine, an 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 115 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation and responsive performance. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126.14 mph). While not a performance-oriented model, the 1.8i 16V provides adequate power for everyday driving and comfortable cruising. Fuel economy figures are rated at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) combined, with 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 89.9 horsepower per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 132.9 Nm per tonne.
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and spacious interior for five occupants. The hatchback body style provides excellent cargo versatility, with a minimum trunk capacity of 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) expanding to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The facelifted model featured a more refined interior compared to the pre-facelift versions, with improved materials and a more ergonomic dashboard layout. Standard safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Vectra B CC also benefited from hydraulic power steering and a comfortable suspension setup, utilizing coil springs on both the front and rear axles. The car rides on 15-inch wheels with tire size 195/65 R15. The overall design of the Vectra B CC was intended to be modern and appealing, reflecting Opel’s design language of the late 1990s.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i 16V (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 1999 |
| End of production | February, 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 183 g/km |
| 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 | 203 km/h (126.14 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3600 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X18XE1 |
| 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 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 (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |

