The Vauxhall Vectra B 1.8i 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant step forward for Vauxhall in the mid-size family car segment. As a rebadged version of the Opel Vectra B, it was primarily marketed in the United Kingdom and other European markets. The Vectra B aimed to provide a more refined and modern alternative to its predecessor, the Vectra A, with improvements in comfort, handling, and safety. This model, specifically the 1.8i 16V with an automatic transmission, offered a balance between fuel efficiency and adequate performance for everyday driving.
Vauxhall Vectra B: An Overview
The Vectra B was Vauxhall’s offering in the D-segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 406, and Volkswagen Passat. It was available in saloon (sedan), hatchback, and estate (wagon) body styles, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The 1.8i 16V engine was a popular choice, providing a good compromise between power and economy. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened its appeal to drivers seeking convenience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B 1.8i 16V is an inline four-cylinder, 1.8-liter (1796 cm3 or 109.6 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine, designated X18XE, produces 116 horsepower (Hp) at 5400 rpm and 170 Newton-meters (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra B 1.8i 16V achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96.6 km/h) time of approximately 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h (123.03 mph). The power-to-weight ratio is 91.7 Hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 134.4 Nm per tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Vectra B is a four-door sedan with a relatively conservative, yet modern for its time, design. It features a spacious interior capable of comfortably seating four adults. Key features included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included a robust chassis and available anti-lock braking system (ABS) on higher trim levels. The trunk (boot) offers a generous 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.) of cargo space, making it practical for family use. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2637 mm (103.82 in.). The 195/65 R15 tires are mounted on 5.5J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i 16V (116 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3400 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1265 kg (2788.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1775 kg (3913.21 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 550 l (19.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4495 mm (176.97 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Rear track | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B 1.8i 16V Automatic, while not a performance icon, provided a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably efficient mode of transportation for families and commuters in the late 1990s. It represented a solid evolution of the Vectra nameplate and contributed to Vauxhall’s growing presence in the competitive European mid-size car market.
