The Vauxhall Omega B 2.0i 16V Automatic, produced between 1994 and 1999, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s flagship executive car lineage. Positioned within the large family car segment, the Omega B aimed to provide a comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced vehicle for both private and fleet buyers. 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 Audi A6. It was known for its refined ride, generous interior space, and relatively affordable price point within its class.
Vauxhall Omega B: An Overview
The Omega B marked a substantial departure from its predecessor, the Omega A, with a more aerodynamic design and a focus on improved safety and comfort. The 2.0i 16V model, equipped with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission, was a common variant, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. The Omega B’s design language reflected a move towards more contemporary styling, incorporating rounded edges and a more integrated appearance compared to the boxier aesthetics of the 1980s. It served as a showcase for Vauxhall’s engineering capabilities and a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing a competitive offering in the executive car market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Omega B 2.0i 16V is the X20XEV engine, a 1,998 cc (121.93 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine produces 136 horsepower (Hp) at 5,600 rpm and 185 Newton-meters (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. This configuration results in a maximum speed of 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The weight-to-power ratio stands at 10.6 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 2.0i 16V offered adequate acceleration and a smooth driving experience, prioritizing comfort and refinement over outright speed. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg) in urban conditions.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Omega B is a four-door sedan with a longitudinal front-engine layout. Its body style emphasizes practicality and spaciousness, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. The Omega B’s design incorporated features aimed at enhancing safety and convenience. Standard equipment included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common in the mid-1990s. The interior was designed with a focus on ergonomics and comfort, featuring supportive seats and a well-appointed dashboard. The trunk (boot) offers a generous 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) of cargo space. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,787 mm (188.46 in.) in length, 1,786 mm (70.31 in.) in width, and 1,455 mm (57.28 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,730 mm (107.48 in.). The drag coefficient of 0.29 contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise at higher speeds.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Omega |
| Generation | Omega B |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 4000 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1445-1489 kg (3185.68 – 3282.68 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 466-510 kg (1027.35 – 1124.36 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 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 (braked) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 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 | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 16V Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of comfort, space, and practicality for buyers in the late 1990s. Its blend of features and relatively affordable price point made it a popular choice in the executive car segment, particularly in Europe.
