The Opel Vita C 1.4 16V Automatic, produced between 2000 and 2004, represents a significant entry in the European subcompact hatchback segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vita (and its various iterations) was a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and relatively efficient vehicle. The Vita C, specifically, was a facelift of the original Vita, offering updated styling and minor mechanical improvements. It served as Opel’s competitor to vehicles like the Renault Clio, Peugeot 206, and Volkswagen Polo, focusing on affordability and everyday usability.
Opel Vita C: An Overview
The Vita C was positioned as a versatile hatchback, available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to different lifestyle needs. It was designed to be a no-frills, reliable mode of transportation, prioritizing functionality over luxury. The 1.4 16V engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a common configuration, offering a balance between fuel economy and acceptable performance for urban driving. The Vita C’s appeal lay in its compact size, ease of parking, and relatively low running costs, making it a popular choice for first-time car owners and city dwellers.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Opel Vita C 1.4 16V is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 125 Nm (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The power-to-weight ratio of 13.3 kg/Hp (75 Hp/tonne) reflects the car’s modest performance capabilities. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 13 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 12.4 seconds. The top speed is rated at 170 km/h (105.63 mph). Fuel economy figures are rated at 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) in urban conditions, 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, and a combined consumption of 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg). The engine has a displacement of 1389 cm3 (84.76 cu. in.) with a bore of 77.6 mm (3.06 in.) and a stroke of 73.4 mm (2.89 in.).
Design & Features
The Opel Vita C is a compact hatchback characterized by its rounded, contemporary styling for its time. Available as a 3-door or 5-door model, it offers seating for five passengers. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a functional layout. While not lavishly equipped, the Vita C typically includes features such as power steering, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and basic instrumentation. Trunk space ranges from 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1060 liters (37.43 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down, providing reasonable cargo capacity for its size. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the early 2000s, include the aforementioned ABS system. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs). The suspension utilizes coil springs on both the front and rear axles, providing a comfortable ride quality. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are drums.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vita |
| Generation | Vita C |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 16V (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 4000 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1389 cm3 (84.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.6 mm (3.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l (9.18 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1060 l (37.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 3817 mm (150.28 in.) |
| Width | 1646 mm (64.8 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2491 mm (98.07 in.) |
| Front track | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Rear track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
In conclusion, the Opel Vita C 1.4 16V Automatic was a practical and affordable hatchback that served a valuable role in the European automotive market. While not a groundbreaking vehicle, it offered a reliable and economical transportation solution for a wide range of drivers.
