The Vauxhall Antara 3.2 V6 24V 4×4, produced from 2006 to 2010, represents a significant entry for the British marque into the increasingly popular compact SUV segment. Sharing its platform with the Opel Antara (and later, the Chevrolet Captiva), the Antara was designed to offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and a more premium driving experience than some of its competitors. This particular variant, equipped with the 3.2-liter V6 engine and a five-speed manual transmission, occupied the upper echelon of the Antara lineup, offering a substantial performance upgrade over the four-cylinder options. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking a capable all-weather vehicle with a degree of sporting character.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Antara |
| Generation | Antara |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 V6 24V (227 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.4 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.2 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg, 8.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 278 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 203 km/h (126.14 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 131.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 227 Hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71 Hp/l |
| Torque | 297 Nm @ 3200 rpm (219.06 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z32SE |
| Engine displacement | 3195 cm3 (194.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt, 6.51 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt, 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1730-1790 kg (3814 – 3946.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1420 l (50.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal, 14.3 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500-2000 kg (3306.93 – 4409.25 lbs.) |
| Length | 4576 mm (180.16 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2085 mm (82.09 in.) |
| Height | 1747 mm (68.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2707 mm (106.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1572 mm (61.89 in.) |
| Rear track | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Front overhang | 926 mm (36.46 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 943 mm (37.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 24° |
| Departure angle | 16° |
| Ramp-over angle | 14° |
| Wading depth | 450 mm (17.72 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 235/60 R17; 235/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Antara 3.2 V6 is the Z32SE engine, a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine, part of the GM High Feature family, utilizes a 60-degree V-angle for improved balance and smoothness. It features a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, incorporating dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produces 227 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 297 Nm (219 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was a robust unit, offering a relatively direct feel for a vehicle of this type. The 4×4 system employed a multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, providing enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.2 V6 Antara offered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than its four-cylinder counterparts. The V6 provided ample power for confident acceleration and effortless cruising, with the 0-60 mph sprint taking approximately 8.4 seconds. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control, although the gear ratios were tuned more for relaxed touring than outright performance. While not a sports SUV, the Antara 3.2 V6 felt composed and stable in corners, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. The all-wheel-drive system provided surefootedness on various surfaces, making it a capable vehicle in all weather conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.2 V6 Antara typically came well-equipped, positioning it as the premium trim level. Standard features included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD stereo system, and electric windows and mirrors. Higher-spec models often added features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and parking sensors. The interior design was functional and reasonably well-appointed, although it lacked the outright luxury of some competitors.
Chassis & Braking
The Antara utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The chassis was designed to provide a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, with a ground clearance of 200mm (7.87 inches).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Antara 3.2 V6 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its smooth engine, comfortable ride, and capable all-wheel-drive system. However, some reviewers noted that its fuel economy was relatively poor compared to some of its competitors, and its interior design was not as stylish or modern. Compared to the base model Antara with the 2.0-liter engine, the 3.2 V6 offered a significant performance boost, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a higher purchase price. The 2.0 Turbo Diesel offered a better balance of performance and economy for many buyers.
Legacy
The Vauxhall Antara 3.2 V6, while not a massive sales success, remains a reasonably well-regarded SUV in the used car market. The Z32SE V6 engine is known for its reliability, provided it has been properly maintained. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for oil leaks and the importance of regular servicing. The Antara’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it easier and less expensive to repair than some of its more technologically advanced rivals. Today, it represents a relatively affordable entry point into the world of V6-powered SUVs, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and a touch of British character.
