The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II (5 dr) 3.1 TD was a mid-size SUV produced from 1991 to 1998. Positioned as a robust, all-terrain vehicle, the Monterey was Vauxhall’s offering in the growing SUV segment, primarily aimed at buyers seeking practicality and off-road capability. While not a significant seller in the UK, it represented Vauxhall’s attempt to compete with established Japanese and increasingly popular American SUV models. The Monterey Mk II, specifically the 3.1 TD variant, utilized a turbocharged diesel engine, offering a balance of fuel economy and torque for towing and challenging driving conditions.
Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: Overview and Market Position
The Monterey nameplate was initially used on a rebadged Isuzu Bighorn, reflecting a collaborative effort between Vauxhall (then part of General Motors) and Isuzu. The Mk II iteration represented a refinement of the original model, with updates to the exterior styling, interior appointments, and mechanical components. The vehicle was largely intended for the European market, where demand for capable, all-wheel-drive vehicles was increasing. It served as a larger alternative to more compact 4x4s, offering space for families and their cargo. The 3.1 TD model, with its diesel engine, was particularly suited to European fuel costs and driving habits.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Monterey Mk II 3.1 TD is a 3.1-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated the 4JG2-TC. This engine produces 114 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler significantly enhance performance, providing improved throttle response and increased power output compared to naturally aspirated diesel engines of the time. While acceleration is not a strong point – taking 16.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) and 15.8 seconds to 60 mph – the engine’s torque makes it well-suited for towing and navigating difficult terrain. The Monterey Mk II features a five-speed manual transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, providing enhanced traction in various conditions. Fuel economy figures are rated at 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) combined, 12.7 l/100 km (18.5 US mpg) urban, and 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg) extra-urban.
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II is a five-door SUV, typically seating five passengers, with some models offering an optional third-row seat to accommodate up to seven. The body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, contributing to the vehicle’s off-road capability. Stylistically, the Monterey Mk II features a boxy, utilitarian design typical of SUVs from the early 1990s. Key features include a high ride height, large windows for good visibility, and a spacious interior. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the time, include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior is functional rather than luxurious, with durable materials and a focus on practicality. The Monterey’s large fuel tank (85 liters / 22.45 US gallons) and substantial towing capacity (3000 kg / 6613.87 lbs with brakes) make it a capable vehicle for long journeys and hauling. Approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of 40°, 31°, and 25° respectively, along with a wading depth of 600 mm (23.62 in), demonstrate its off-road credentials.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (5 dr) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.1 TD (114 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1991 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.7 l/100 km (18.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 151 km/h (93.83 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 2000 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 4JG2-TC |
| Engine displacement | 3059 cm3 (186.67 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 20:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.6 l (9.09 US qt | 7.57 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1985 kg (4376.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 615 kg (1355.84 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 3000 kg (6613.87 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4343 mm (170.98 in.) |
| Width | 1745 mm (68.7 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2040 mm (80.31 in.) |
| Height | 1840 mm (72.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2330 mm (91.73 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II 3.1 TD, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, provided a practical and capable SUV option for European buyers in the 1990s. Its robust construction, all-wheel-drive system, and torquey diesel engine made it a suitable choice for those needing a versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures.
