The Vauxhall Vectra B 2.0i 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 technologically advanced alternative to its predecessor, the Vectra A, offering improved comfort, safety, and performance. This model competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 406, and Volkswagen Passat, establishing itself as a popular choice for families and fleet buyers.
Vauxhall Vectra B: An Overview
The Vectra B was a crucial model for Vauxhall, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to modern engineering and design. It was available in saloon (sedan), hatchback, and estate (wagon) body styles, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The 2.0i 16V Automatic variant, equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, offered a balance of performance and convenience. This particular configuration was popular for its smooth driving experience and adequate power for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B 2.0i 16V is its X20XEV 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 188 Nm (138.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,400 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation and respectable power output for its time. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Vectra B 2.0i 16V achieves a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of approximately 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 131.73 mph (212 km/h). While not a sports car, the powertrain provides sufficient performance for comfortable cruising and overtaking. Fuel economy is rated at 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Vectra B adopted a more aerodynamic and contemporary design compared to the angular styling of the Vectra A. The sedan body style, characterized by its four doors and separate trunk, offered a practical and spacious interior. The car typically seats five passengers, with some models offering a limited capacity for seven. Inside, the Vectra B featured a functional dashboard layout and comfortable seating. Features included power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear axle. Safety features, while not as advanced as modern standards, included a robust chassis and available anti-lock braking system (ABS) on some trims. The Vectra B’s trunk offered a generous 550 liters (19.42 cu. ft.) of cargo space, making it suitable for family trips and everyday errands. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in) in length, 1710 mm (67.32 in) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.9 l/100 km (16.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 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 | 212 km/h (131.73 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3400 rpm (138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1345 kg (2965.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1860 kg (4100.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 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 | 1710 mm (67.32 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 | 1467 mm (57.76 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | 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 2.0i 16V Automatic, while now a classic, remains a testament to Vauxhall’s engineering capabilities during the 1990s. It offered a compelling package of comfort, practicality, and performance, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike. Its legacy continues as a representative of a generation of well-built and reliable European family cars.
