The Vauxhall Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (120 Hp) is a station wagon that was produced between 2004 and 2005. Part of the Vectra C generation, it represented Vauxhall’s offering in the mid-size family car segment. While the Vectra nameplate was well-known in the United Kingdom and other European markets, it was not officially sold in the United States. The Vectra C Estate aimed to provide a practical and efficient vehicle for families, combining a spacious interior with a focus on fuel economy thanks to its modern diesel engine. This model specifically utilized a 1.9-liter CDTi engine, a common choice in Europe for its balance of power and efficiency.
Vauxhall Vectra C Estate: An Overview
The Vectra C Estate, as a station wagon variant, offered increased cargo capacity compared to the saloon (sedan) version. It was designed to compete with other European family estates like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Peugeot 406 SW, and Volkswagen Passat Variant. The “ECOTEC” designation indicated Vauxhall’s commitment to engine technology focused on efficiency and reduced emissions. The 1.9 CDTi engine was a key component of this strategy, utilizing common rail direct injection and a turbocharger to deliver a respectable 120 horsepower while maintaining good fuel economy.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC is its 1910 cc (116.56 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DT. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and a torque output of 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) between 2000-2750 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger and intercooler, enhancing performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a maximum speed of 195 km/h (121.17 mph). The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.6 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between weight and performance. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, reflecting the environmental regulations in place during its production period.
Design & Features
The Vectra C Estate is a five-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. Its exterior design is typical of early 2000s European styling, characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated appearance. The estate body style provides a significant advantage in terms of cargo space. With the rear seats up, the trunk offers a minimum of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a substantial 1850 liters (65.33 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4839 mm (190.51 in.) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in.) in width, and 1500 mm (59.06 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2830 mm (111.42 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DT |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1395 kg (3075.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1850 l (65.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4839 mm (190.51 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2830 mm (111.42 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, 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) |
The Vauxhall Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC, while not a vehicle commonly found in the United States, represented a significant offering in the European market. It provided a practical, efficient, and reasonably well-equipped option for families seeking a versatile station wagon. Its focus on diesel technology and fuel economy positioned it well within the context of European automotive trends during the early 2000s.
