The Opel Vectra C Caravan 2.0 DTI is a station wagon that was produced between 2002 and 2004. Part of the Vectra C generation, it represented Opel’s offering in the mid-size family car segment in Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra C was a significant model for Opel, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The Caravan body style, known as an estate in some markets, prioritized practicality and cargo space, making it a popular choice for families and those requiring versatile transportation. This particular variant, the 2.0 DTI, featured a diesel engine producing 100 horsepower.
Opel Vectra C Caravan: An Overview
The Vectra C, launched in 2002, was a substantial redesign of Opel’s mid-size offering. It moved away from the more angular styling of the previous generation (Vectra B) towards a smoother, more contemporary aesthetic. The Caravan version specifically targeted buyers needing the increased utility of a wagon. The 2.0 DTI engine was a key component of the lineup, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and reasonable performance for long-distance driving, a common requirement for European motorists. The Vectra C aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped package at a competitive price point.
Engine & Performance
The Opel Vectra C Caravan 2.0 DTI is powered by a 1.994-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Y20DTH. This engine produces 100 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail injection system, a technology that improved combustion and reduced emissions compared to older diesel injection methods. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were typical for vehicles in this class. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 13.2 seconds. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 16 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vectra C Caravan is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. Its design emphasized practicality and a modern aesthetic. The Caravan body style offered a generous cargo capacity, ranging from a minimum of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to a maximum of 1850 liters (65.33 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. This made it a highly versatile vehicle for carrying luggage, groceries, or other large items. Standard safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4822 mm (189.84 in), width 1798 mm (70.79 in), and height 1500 mm (59.06 in). The wheelbase measures 2830 mm (111.42 in). The front and rear track widths are 1536 mm (60.47 in) and 1525 mm (60.04 in) respectively. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6.5J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C Caravan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 DTI (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2002 |
| End of production | November, 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y20DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1994 cm3 (121.68 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2135 kg (4706.87 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1850 l (65.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4822 mm (189.84 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2830 mm (111.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 15 |
The Opel Vectra C Caravan 2.0 DTI, while not a performance car, offered a practical and efficient transportation solution for European families. Its combination of spaciousness, fuel economy, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in its segment.
