The Vauxhall Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (150 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2004 and 2005, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineup. As part of the Vectra C generation (2002-2008), the Estate model – a station wagon – offered a practical and spacious alternative to the saloon and hatchback body styles. While the Vectra nameplate has been discontinued in Europe (and was never officially sold in the US), the C generation, particularly the Estate, was a popular choice for families and fleet operators in the United Kingdom and across the European continent. It competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Peugeot 407 SW, and Volkswagen Passat Variant.
Vauxhall Vectra C Estate: Overview and Market Position
The Vectra C Estate aimed to provide a blend of comfort, practicality, and efficiency. The 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC engine, a common diesel option in Europe, was chosen for its fuel economy and torque output. The “ECOTEC” designation signified Vauxhall’s commitment to engine technology focused on reducing emissions and improving performance. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened the car’s appeal to a wider range of drivers. The Vectra C Estate was positioned as a sensible and reliable vehicle, prioritizing functionality over outright sportiness.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi is a 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated Z19DTH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to both performance and reduced emissions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.3 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 4.4 kg/Nm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 207 km/h (128.62 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) combined, with 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are 189 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Vectra C Estate is a five-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. Its design reflects the early 2000s aesthetic, characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated appearance. The estate body style provides a generous cargo capacity of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1850 liters (65.33 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4839 mm (190.51 in.), width 1798 mm (70.79 in.), and height 1500 mm (59.06 in.). The wheelbase measures 2830 mm (111.42 in.).
Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Other standard features typically included power windows, central locking, and air conditioning. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable and functional space for both driver and passengers. The drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28 contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (150 Hp) Automatic |
| 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) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 189 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (128.62 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DTH |
| 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 capacity | 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, Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, 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) |
The Vauxhall Vectra C Estate 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC Automatic, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and practical choice for families seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient station wagon in the early 2000s. Its blend of comfort, practicality, and reasonable performance ensured its popularity in the European market.
