The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 1.8i 16V ECOTEC (122 Hp) is a compact hatchback produced between 2002 and 2005. Part of the Vectra C generation, this model represented Vauxhall’s offering in the competitive D-segment (compact family car) of the European market. While the Vectra nameplate was not widely recognized in the United States, the Vectra C served as a significant vehicle for Vauxhall, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and relatively modern technology for its time. The “CC” designation signifies the ‘Comfort’ trim level, indicating a focus on passenger amenities. This article details the technical specifications and characteristics of this particular variant.
Vauxhall Vectra C CC: An Overview
The Vectra C, launched in 2002, was a substantial redesign of the previous Vectra B model. It aimed to improve upon its predecessor in terms of refinement, safety, and overall driving experience. The hatchback body style, particularly popular in Europe, offered increased versatility compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version. The 1.8i 16V ECOTEC engine was a mainstay of the Vectra C range, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The ECOTEC designation signified Vauxhall’s efforts to optimize engine technology for reduced emissions and improved economy.
Engine & Performance
The Vectra C CC 1.8i 16V ECOTEC is powered by a 1.8-liter (1796 cm3 or 109.6 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 122 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 167 Newton-meters (123.17 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a power output of 67.9 Hp per liter. The engine’s performance translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers (30.9 US mpg or 37.2 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 182 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Vectra C CC is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design was considered modern for its time, with a relatively streamlined profile and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, evidenced by its drag coefficient of 0.28. The hatchback body style provides a practical cargo area, offering 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up and expanding to 1360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4611 mm (181.54 in.), width 1798 mm (70.79 in.), and height 1460 mm (57.48 in.). The wheelbase measures 2700 mm (106.3 in.). The suspension system utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, aiming to provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. Ventilated discs are used for the front brakes, while the rear brakes are solid discs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i 16V ECOTEC (122 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 182 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 204 km/h (126.76 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 167 Nm @ 3800 rpm (123.17 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1315 kg (2899.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1360 l (48.03 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4611 mm (181.54 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type 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) |
The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 1.8i 16V ECOTEC, while not a performance car, offered a practical and reasonably efficient transportation solution for families in Europe during the early 2000s. Its blend of comfort, space, and modern features made it a popular choice in its segment.
