The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.5i V6 was a mid-size hatchback produced by Vauxhall, the British arm of General Motors, between 1995 and 1998. Representing the second generation of the Vectra, the “B” series brought significant advancements in design, safety, and technology compared to its predecessor. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe as a practical and relatively affordable family vehicle. The “CC” designation denotes the “Comfort Coupe” body style, emphasizing a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing hatchback design. This particular variant, powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 170 horsepower, offered a blend of performance and comfort within the competitive D-segment market.
Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.5i V6: An Overview
The Vectra B CC aimed to provide a more refined and modern alternative to traditional saloons (sedans) and estates (wagons). It competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 406, and Volkswagen Passat. The model’s focus was on offering a spacious interior, good handling, and a range of engine options to suit different needs. The 2.5i V6 model was positioned as the premium offering within the range, appealing to buyers seeking a more powerful and sophisticated driving experience. The Vectra B was a key model for Vauxhall, helping to establish the brand as a serious contender in the European mid-size car market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 2.5i V6 is its 2.5-liter (2498 cm³) naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the X25XE. This engine produces 170 horsepower (Hp) at 5800 rpm and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. This configuration delivers a relatively smooth and responsive power delivery. Power per liter is rated at 68.1 Hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels. The car achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.1 seconds and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.5 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h (142.92 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 10.1 liters per 100 kilometers (23.3 US mpg) combined, with urban consumption at 14.1 l/100km (16.7 US mpg) and extra-urban at 7.8 l/100km (30.2 US mpg). CO2 emissions are 240 g/km.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design represented a departure from the more angular styling of the previous generation, adopting a smoother, more rounded aesthetic. The interior provides seating for five passengers and offers a reasonable amount of space for both passengers and luggage. Trunk (boot) space ranges from 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the time included driver and passenger airbags, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) was often included as standard or optional equipment. The car’s kerb weight is 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 505 kg (1113.33 lbs). The vehicle rides on 205/55 R16 tires mounted on 7J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i V6 (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 US mpg, 20 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg, 28 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 240 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 3200 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X25XE |
| Engine displacement | 2498 cm³ (152.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 2.5i V6, while not a performance car in the modern sense, offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and reasonably powerful family hatchback. Its V6 engine provided a smooth and refined driving experience, and its practical design made it a versatile choice for everyday use.
