The Vauxhall Vectra C Estate 3.0 V6 CDTi 24V ECOTEC, produced between 2005 and 2008, represents a significant offering in the mid-size station wagon segment. As part of the Vectra C generation, this model aimed to provide a practical and refined vehicle for families and those requiring substantial cargo space. While the Vectra nameplate was primarily a European offering, it was a popular choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and capable vehicle. The “Estate” designation signifies the station wagon body style, offering increased versatility compared to the saloon (sedan) version. This particular variant, equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, focused on balancing performance with reasonable fuel economy.
Vauxhall Vectra C Estate: A Detailed Overview
The Vectra C Estate was positioned as a direct competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Peugeot 407 SW, and Volkswagen Passat Variant. It aimed to appeal to buyers who needed a spacious and practical vehicle without sacrificing driving comfort or a degree of sophistication. The introduction of the 3.0 V6 CDTi engine was intended to provide a more powerful and refined option within the Vectra Estate range, catering to those who frequently undertook long journeys or required additional towing capacity.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C Estate 3.0 V6 CDTi is its 2958 cm³ (180.51 cu. in.) V6 turbodiesel engine, designated the Z30DT. This engine produces 184 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and a substantial 400 Newton-meters (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1900 and 2700 rpm. The engine features a common rail direct fuel injection system and a turbocharger with an intercooler, contributing to its strong performance and relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain configuration allows for a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 7.6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.5 kg/Nm demonstrate a good balance between engine output and vehicle mass. Fuel economy figures are rated at 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg) in urban conditions and 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are rated at 213 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 emphasizes practicality and a relatively understated aesthetic. 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. This makes it a highly versatile vehicle for carrying luggage, groceries, or other bulky items. 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.). Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior focused on providing a comfortable and functional environment, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. While not overtly luxurious, the Vectra C Estate offered a reasonable level of equipment for its price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 CDTi 24V ECOTEC (184 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 213 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1900-2700 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1900-2700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z30DT |
| Engine displacement | 2958 cm³ (180.51 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 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 3.0 V6 CDTi offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, comfortable, and relatively powerful station wagon. While no longer in production, it remains a representative example of the mid-size estate car segment from the mid-2000s, showcasing the technology and design trends of the era.
