The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, produced from 1992 to 1998, was a mid-size SUV positioned as a robust, family-oriented vehicle. It represented Vauxhall’s entry into the growing SUV market of the early 1990s, offering a blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. While not a significant seller in the UK compared to some of its competitors, the Monterey Mk II provided a larger, more utilitarian alternative to smaller family cars. It’s important to note that Vauxhall is the British brand equivalent to Opel, and the Monterey was largely based on the Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn, a vehicle popular in other markets. This article details the 3.2 V6 24V 4×4 variant of the Mk II generation.
Vauxhall Monterey Mk II: Overview and Market Position
The Monterey Mk II was part of a broader trend towards SUVs gaining popularity in Europe. Unlike many European SUVs of the time which were often car-based crossovers, the Monterey retained a traditional body-on-frame construction, emphasizing its off-road credentials. This construction method, while providing durability, also contributed to a higher weight and less refined on-road handling compared to more modern SUVs. The Monterey aimed to appeal to buyers needing space, practicality, and the ability to tackle challenging terrain, though it was primarily used as a family vehicle. The 5-door configuration and optional 7-seat layout further enhanced its practicality.
Engine & Performance
The 3.2-liter V6 engine, designated 6VD1, was the primary powerplant for this version of the Monterey Mk II. Producing 177 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm, it provided adequate performance for its size and weight. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a naturally aspirated design. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 10.9 seconds, and 0-62 mph (100 km/h) took 11.5 seconds. The top speed was limited to 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 10.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 7.2 kg/Nm. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, delivering power to all four wheels via a 4×4 drivetrain. Fuel economy was relatively poor by modern standards, averaging 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 US mpg) combined, with urban consumption reaching 18.1 l/100 km (13 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Monterey Mk II presented a boxy, utilitarian design typical of SUVs from the early 1990s. Its 5-door body style offered easy access to the spacious interior, which could accommodate up to seven passengers depending on the seating configuration. The vehicle’s dimensions were substantial, measuring 4343 mm (170.98 in) in length, 1745 mm (68.7 in) in width, and 1840 mm (72.44 in) in height. The wheelbase was 2760 mm (108.66 in). Key features included a robust suspension system – double wishbone at the front and independent multi-link at the rear – designed to handle both on-road and off-road conditions. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the time, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Off-road capability was enhanced by a respectable wading depth of 600 mm (23.62 in), approach angle of 40°, departure angle of 31°, and a ramp-over angle of 25°. The Monterey’s towing capacity was also significant, with a maximum braked trailer load of 3000 kg (6613.87 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Monterey |
| Generation | Monterey Mk II (5 dr) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 V6 24V (177 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 1992 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.1 l/100 km (13 US mpg, 15.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 US mpg, 19.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 3750 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | 6VD1 |
| Engine displacement | 3165 cm3 (193.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 720 kg (1587.33 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 | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 40° |
| Departure angle | 31° |
| Ramp-over angle | 25° |
| Climb angle | 37° |
| Wading depth | 600 mm (23.62 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| 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 |
The Vauxhall Monterey Mk II, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, served as a capable and practical SUV for its time. Its blend of off-road ability, spaciousness, and reasonable performance made it a viable option for families and those needing a versatile vehicle. However, its relatively poor fuel economy and less refined driving experience compared to later SUVs ultimately limited its long-term success.
