The Opel Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) 2.5i V6 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, the “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Communication,” highlighting the model’s focus on enhanced features and technology. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical, comfortable, and relatively sporty family car. This particular variant, powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 170 horsepower, aimed to deliver a more refined driving experience than the base models.
Opel Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) 2.5i V6: An Overview
The Vectra B, launched in 1995, was a crucial model for Opel, representing a move towards more modern design and engineering. The 1999 facelift brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engine options. The 2.5i V6 model occupied a premium position within the Vectra B range, offering a blend of performance and comfort. It was primarily sold in Europe, where it gained a reputation for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively strong engine performance for its class. The Vectra line was eventually replaced by the Opel Signum and Vectra C in the early 2000s.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 2.5i V6 is its 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the Y26SE. This engine produces 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features a V-configuration with 60 degrees between the cylinder banks, contributing to a smoother power delivery. It utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for efficient combustion and good responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably spirited driving experience.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The facelifted model features subtle styling updates compared to the pre-facelift version, including revised headlights, a redesigned grille, and updated bumpers. The interior of the CC variant emphasizes comfort and convenience, with improved materials and a more modern dashboard layout. Standard features typically included power windows, central locking, and an upgraded audio system. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Vectra B offered a spacious cabin with ample room for five passengers and a generous trunk capacity ranging from 480 liters (16.95 cu ft) with the rear seats up to 790 liters (27.9 cu ft) with them folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC (facelift 1999) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i V6 (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | January, 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 US mpg, 20 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 236 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 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 | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 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.) |
| 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 (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |

