The Opel Vectra C Caravan 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) is a station wagon that was produced between 2004 and 2005. 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 many markets, prioritized practicality and cargo space, making it a popular choice for families.
Opel Vectra C Caravan: An Overview
The Vectra C, launched in 2002, was a substantial redesign of the Vectra line, moving towards a more modern and refined aesthetic. The Caravan variant specifically targeted buyers needing a versatile vehicle capable of handling both passenger and cargo demands. The 2.2i 16V DIRECT model featured a direct injection gasoline engine, a technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency and performance. This model aimed to balance power with reasonable running costs, appealing to a broad range of consumers in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C Caravan 2.2i 16V DIRECT is a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z22YH. This engine produces 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The direct fuel injection system, a key feature of this engine, allows for more precise fuel delivery, resulting in improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. Power per liter is rated at 70.5 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 212 km/h (131.73 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vectra C Caravan is a five-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. Its design emphasized a sleek, contemporary look, departing from the more boxy aesthetics of previous Vectra generations. The Caravan body style provides a generous cargo area, with a minimum capacity of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) and a maximum capacity of 1850 liters (65.33 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s suspension utilizes a spring strut setup at the front and a multi-link system at the rear, aiming to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. The steering system is a rack and pinion type. Standard tire size is 215/55 R16, mounted on 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C Caravan |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V DIRECT (155 Hp) |
| Start of production | January, 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3800 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22YH |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2085 kg (4596.64 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 (Back) track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 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 | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |
The Opel Vectra C Caravan 2.2i 16V DIRECT, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represented a well-rounded and practical option for European families. Its combination of a reasonably powerful engine, spacious interior, and modern features made it a competitive offering in its segment. The direct injection technology showcased Opel’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, aligning with the evolving automotive landscape of the early 2000s.
