The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, specifically the 3-door facelifted version produced from 1998 to 1999, represents a relatively short-lived but notable iteration of Vauxhall’s foray into the mid-size SUV segment. While not widely recognized in the United States, the Monterey held a position as a capable and practical off-roader within the European market. It was based on the Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn platform, a result of the then-strong partnership between Vauxhall (owned by General Motors) and Isuzu. This model aimed to provide a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily driving and recreational pursuits.
Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: A Detailed Overview
The Monterey Mk II facelift, introduced in 1998, brought subtle styling updates and refinements to the existing model. It continued to be offered primarily in Europe, where it competed with other emerging SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and Mitsubishi Pajero. The 3-door configuration, while less common than the 5-door version, catered to buyers prioritizing a more compact and maneuverable vehicle, often favored for its off-road prowess. The Monterey’s design reflected the late 1990s SUV aesthetic, characterized by a boxy silhouette and emphasis on practicality.
Engine & Performance
The 1998-1999 Monterey Mk II 3-door was primarily equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, designated the 6VE1. This naturally aspirated engine produced 215 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine featured a 9.4:1 compression ratio and multi-port fuel injection. Power delivery was adequate for its intended purpose, offering a reasonable balance between acceleration and towing capacity. The engine’s 61.5 hp per liter output indicated a focus on usable power rather than outright performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 11.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in 10.7 seconds. The Monterey’s top speed was limited to 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine was longitudinally mounted, driving all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The weight-to-power ratio of 8.7 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6 kg/Nm provided a decent level of performance for the vehicle’s size and weight.
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II 3-door is a classic example of late 1990s SUV design. Its body-on-frame construction provided robustness and off-road capability. The 3-door layout offered a more compact footprint compared to the 5-door model, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road trails. The interior was designed to accommodate five passengers, although rear seat space was somewhat limited due to the shorter wheelbase. Key features included hydraulic power steering and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), representing a growing emphasis on safety during that era. The interior appointments were functional rather than luxurious, reflecting the Monterey’s positioning as a practical and capable SUV. Trunk space was generous, ranging from 769 liters (27.16 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 2069 liters (73.07 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage and cargo. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4365 mm (171.85 in) in length, 1835 mm (72.24 in) in width, and 1830 mm (72.05 in) in height – positioned it within the mid-size SUV category.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (3 dr) (facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 24V (215 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.7 l/100 km (12.6 US mpg / 15.1 UK mpg / 5.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg / 26.4 UK mpg / 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 215 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 3000 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VE1 |
| Engine displacement | 3494 cm3 (213.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.4 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 735 kg (1620.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 769 l (27.16 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2069 l (73.07 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4365 mm (171.85 in.) |
| Width | 1835 mm (72.24 in.) |
| Height | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2330 mm (91.73 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, while a relatively obscure vehicle in the American market, represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of the SUV. Its blend of Isuzu engineering, Vauxhall branding, and European market demands created a unique vehicle that offered a practical and capable solution for drivers seeking a versatile off-road vehicle.
