The Vauxhall Omega B 2.0i, produced between 1994 and 1998, represents a significant iteration in the Omega lineage, a large family car manufactured by Vauxhall – the British arm of General Motors. Positioned within the executive car segment, the Omega B aimed to provide a comfortable and spacious vehicle appealing to families and business users alike. While not officially sold in the United States, the Omega B was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, competing with models like the Ford Granada, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This 2.0i variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated inline-four engine, offered a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical option for everyday driving.
Vauxhall Omega B: A Detailed Overview
The Omega B marked a substantial departure from its predecessor, the Omega A, with a more aerodynamic design and a focus on improved refinement. It benefited from advancements in automotive technology during the 1990s, incorporating features that enhanced both safety and comfort. The 2.0i model, while not the most powerful in the Omega B range, provided a solid driving experience and was often favored for its affordability and reasonable running costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Omega B 2.0i is a 1,995 cc (121.74 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated as the 20SE or X20SE. This engine produces 116 horsepower (Hp) at 5,400 rpm and 205 Newton-meters (151.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,650 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10:1. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 209 km/h (129.87 mph). The weight-to-power ratio stands at 12.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7 kg/Nm. The engine’s power per liter is a respectable 58.1 Hp/l. While not a sports car, the Omega B 2.0i offered adequate acceleration and cruising ability for its intended purpose.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Omega B is a four-door sedan with a spacious interior designed to accommodate five passengers comfortably. Its exterior styling, while somewhat conservative by modern standards, was considered sleek and aerodynamic for its time, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.29. Key dimensions include a length of 4,787 mm (188.46 in.), a width of 1,786 mm (70.31 in.), and a height of 1,455 mm (57.28 in.). The wheelbase measures 2,730 mm (107.48 in.).
Inside, the Omega B prioritized comfort and practicality. Features included a generous 530-liter (18.72 cu. ft.) trunk, ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and a well-appointed cabin. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The car’s kerb weight ranges from 1,425 to 1,469 kg (3141.59 – 3238.59 lbs.), with a maximum permissible weight of 1,955 kg (4310.04 lbs.). The Omega B was designed to be a reliable and durable vehicle, capable of handling long journeys with ease.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Omega |
| Generation | Omega B |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg / 26.2 UK mpg / 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 205 Nm @ 1650 rpm (151.2 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 20SE, X20SE |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1425-1469 kg (3141.59 – 3238.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 486-530 kg (1071.45 – 1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4787 mm (188.46 in.) |
| Width | 1786 mm (70.31 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1960 mm (77.17 in.) |
| Height | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm (107.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Rear track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1140 mm (44.88 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
The Vauxhall Omega B 2.0i, while largely forgotten in the American market, remains a fondly remembered vehicle in Europe. It represented a solid and reliable choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable executive car during the 1990s, offering a blend of practicality, affordability, and reasonable performance.
