The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant evolution in the Vectra lineage. As the second generation of the Vectra, the “B” model aimed to address criticisms of its predecessor with improved refinement, safety, and a more contemporary design. The “CC” designation denotes the ‘Comfort Coupe’ body style, a five-door hatchback configuration popular in European markets. While not directly sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed within the mid-size family car segment, offering a practical and relatively affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped vehicle. This model, specifically the 2.0i 16V variant, delivered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a common sight on European roads.
Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V: An Overview
The Vectra B was a crucial model for Vauxhall (owned by General Motors at the time), as it sought to establish a stronger presence in the competitive mid-size car market. It shared its platform with the Opel Vectra, reflecting GM’s European strategy. The 2.0i 16V engine was a mainstay of the range, offering a good compromise between power and efficiency. The hatchback body style, known as the ‘Comfort Coupe’, provided enhanced practicality compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version, with its larger rear opening and increased cargo flexibility. The Vectra B represented a step forward in terms of build quality and interior design compared to the earlier Vectra A.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V is its 1998 cc (121.93 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the X20XEV. This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm and 188 Newton-meters (138.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high power output for its displacement – 68.1 Hp per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 6.9 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably responsive driving experience for its time.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC adopted a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to the angular styling of the Vectra A. The five-door hatchback configuration provides easy access to the rear seats and a generous cargo area. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. While not boasting the advanced technology of modern vehicles, the Vectra B CC offered features considered standard for its class, including power steering, central locking, and an adjustable steering column. Safety features, while limited by the standards of today, included a reinforced safety cell and optional airbags. The trunk (boot) space ranges from 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) with them folded down, providing ample space for luggage and other cargo. 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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg, 23.2 UK mpg, 8.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3200 rpm (138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3200 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 engine |
| 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 | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1820 kg (4012.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.0i 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for family transportation in the late 1990s. Its blend of practicality, reasonable performance, and affordability made it a popular choice in its target market, and it remains a recognizable vehicle for those familiar with European automotive history.
