The Opel Vectra C 2.2 DTI Automatic, produced between 2002 and 2004, represents a significant iteration in Opel’s mid-size family car lineage. As a member of the Vectra C generation (introduced in 2002), this model aimed to provide a blend of comfort, practicality, and efficiency for European drivers. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra C competed in the same segment as vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, offering a spacious sedan body style and a range of engine options, including the 2.2-liter direct injection turbodiesel featured here. This particular variant, equipped with an automatic transmission, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a refined and convenient driving experience.
Opel Vectra C: A European Family Sedan
The Vectra nameplate has a long history within Opel, dating back to 1988. The Vectra C marked a substantial departure from its predecessors, featuring a more modern design and improved levels of refinement. It was positioned as a direct competitor to established players in the D-segment (mid-size) market in Europe. The 2.2 DTI model specifically targeted drivers prioritizing fuel economy and torque, making it suitable for long-distance travel and everyday commuting. The Vectra C was known for its relatively spacious interior and practical boot (trunk) capacity, catering to the needs of families and individuals alike.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C 2.2 DTI is its 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated Y22DTR. This engine utilizes direct injection technology and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a power output of 125 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. The common rail diesel injection system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain provides smooth and effortless acceleration. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 11.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 202 km/h (125.52 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 18.5:1 is typical for a diesel engine, maximizing efficiency. The engine displacement is 2171 cm3 (132.48 cu. in.).
Design & Features
The Opel Vectra C 2.2 DTI is a four-door sedan with a conventional front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Its exterior design, while typical of early 2000s European styling, was considered modern for its time, featuring a relatively streamlined silhouette and integrated headlights. Inside, the Vectra C offered a comfortable and functional cabin with seating for five passengers. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, and a spacious trunk offering between 500 and 1050 liters (17.66 to 37.08 cubic feet) of cargo capacity depending on the rear seats configuration. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4596 mm (180.94 in) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in) in width, and 1460 mm (57.48 in) in height. The suspension system utilizes a spring strut setup at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to the front wheels, while solid discs are used at the rear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 DTI (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2002 |
| End of production | November, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1500 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y22DTR |
| Engine displacement | 2171 cm3 (132.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1995 kg (4398.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 492 kg (1084.67 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4596 mm (180.94 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Opel Vectra C 2.2 DTI Automatic, while not a performance car, offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a comfortable, practical, and fuel-efficient family sedan. Its blend of modern features, spacious interior, and torquey diesel engine made it a popular choice in its segment during its production run.
