1995-1998 Vauxhall Vectra B 2.5i V6 (170 Hp)

The Vauxhall Vectra B 2.5i V6 was a mid-size family car produced by Vauxhall, the British arm of General Motors, between 1995 and 1998. Representing the second generation of the Vectra, the ‘B’ series aimed to address criticisms of its predecessor with improved refinement, safety, and a more contemporary design. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B was a significant model in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 406, and Volkswagen Passat. The 2.5i V6 variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 170 horsepower, represented the performance-oriented trim level within the range, offering a blend of comfort and respectable acceleration.

Vauxhall Vectra B 2.5i V6: Overview and Market Position

The Vectra B marked a substantial departure from the somewhat austere styling of the original Vectra. It adopted a more rounded, aerodynamic profile, reflecting design trends of the mid-1990s. Vauxhall positioned the Vectra B as a practical and comfortable family vehicle, emphasizing safety features and a spacious interior. The 2.5i V6 model catered to buyers seeking a more powerful and refined driving experience, offering a smoother and quieter ride compared to the four-cylinder options. The Vectra nameplate itself had a long history within Vauxhall, evolving from the earlier Victor and VX4/VC models, and the ‘B’ generation continued this tradition of providing a solid, reliable, and reasonably priced family car.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Vectra B 2.5i V6 is its 2.6-liter (2597 cm³) naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the X25XE. This engine produces 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. This configuration delivers a relatively high power output for its displacement, achieving 65.5 horsepower per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.4 kg/Hp contributes to its responsive feel, while the weight-to-torque ratio of 5.7 kg/Nm provides good mid-range acceleration.

Design & Features

The Vauxhall Vectra B 2.5i V6 is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. Its exterior styling, while typical of the era, featured a relatively streamlined silhouette and integrated bumpers. Inside, the Vectra B offered a comfortable and spacious cabin for five occupants. Standard features included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included a reinforced safety cell and side impact protection. The trunk (boot) offered a generous 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.) of cargo space. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2637 mm (103.82 in.).

Technical Specifications