The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.6i, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant step forward for Vauxhall in the mid-size family car segment. As part of the Vectra B generation, the “CC” designation denotes a coupe-like hatchback body style, offering a more streamlined and contemporary appearance than its predecessor. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter engine producing 75 horsepower, was aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability.
Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.6i: An Overview
The Vectra B was a crucial model for Vauxhall (owned by General Motors at the time), representing a substantial investment in design, engineering, and manufacturing. It aimed to elevate the brand’s image and provide a more competitive offering in a crowded market. The CC body style, with its sloping rear roofline, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a more stylish alternative to traditional saloons (sedans) and estates (wagons). The 1.6i engine option provided a balance between performance and economy, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 1.6i is a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder petrol (gasoline) engine, designated X16SZR. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 128 Nm (94.41 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2800 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provides adequate power for typical commuting and highway driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 14.7 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h takes 15.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The engine features multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain. The power-to-weight ratio is 15.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 9.3 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg), making it relatively economical for its time.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC boasts a five-door hatchback body style, offering a practical combination of passenger space and cargo capacity. The sloping roofline contributes to a more aerodynamic profile, enhancing fuel efficiency. Inside, the Vectra B CC provides seating for five passengers. Key features for the era included hydraulic power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and drum brakes on the rear wheels. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a safety feature. The trunk (boot) offers a versatile 480 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 790 liters when folded down. 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).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 2800 rpm (94.41 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X16SZR |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.25 l (3.43 US qt | 2.86 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1185 kg (2612.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1715 kg (3780.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 790 l (27.9 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 | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.6i, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical, affordable, and reasonably efficient option for families in the late 1990s. Its blend of hatchback practicality, stylish design, and economical engine made it a popular choice in the European market.
