The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC (155 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2005 and 2008, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineage. As part of the Vectra C generation, this model – a five-door hatchback – aimed to provide a practical and comfortable driving experience for the UK and European markets. While not directly sold in the United States, understanding the Vectra C CC provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the mid-2000s, where fuel efficiency, practicality, and a balance between performance and cost were key considerations. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Convenience,” highlighting the focus on features aimed at enhancing the overall driving experience.
Vauxhall Vectra C CC: An Overview
The Vectra C, launched in 2002, was a crucial model for Vauxhall (a subsidiary of General Motors) as it competed in the highly contested D-segment – a class encompassing family cars like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 407. The hatchback body style, designated as the “CC,” offered increased versatility compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version. The 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC engine, coupled with an automatic transmission, was a popular configuration, offering a blend of reasonable performance and ease of driving. This particular variant aimed to appeal to drivers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped family vehicle.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vectra C CC 2.2i lies the Z22YH ECOTEC engine, a 2.2-liter (2198 cm3) inline four-cylinder petrol (gasoline) engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 155 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a power output of 70.5 Hp per liter, a respectable figure for a naturally aspirated engine of this displacement. The engine’s power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 212 km/h (131.73 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 8.5 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced vehicle. Fuel economy is rated at 8 liters per 100 kilometers (29.4 US mpg or 35.3 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 192 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Vectra C CC boasts a practical five-door hatchback body style, offering easy access to the cabin and a generous cargo area. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4611 mm (181.54 in) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in) in width, and 1460 mm (57.48 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm (106.3 in). The drag coefficient of 0.28 contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the Vectra C CC provides seating for five passengers and offers a trunk (boot) space ranging from 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The focus of the “CC” variant was on comfort and convenience, offering features designed to enhance the driving experience for families and commuters. The suspension system comprises an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC (155 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 192 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3800 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22YH |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 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, automatic 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 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC Automatic, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for families and commuters in Europe. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and reasonable fuel economy made it a competitive choice in the D-segment during its production run.
