The Vauxhall Vectra B Estate 2.5i V6 Automatic, produced between 2000 and 2002, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineup. As part of the B generation (1995-2002) of the Vectra, the Estate (station wagon) variant offered a practical and relatively luxurious option for families in the United Kingdom and Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed with models like the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406, offering a blend of comfort, space, and performance. The 2.5i V6 model, equipped with an automatic transmission, was positioned as a higher-specification trim, appealing to buyers seeking a more refined driving experience.
Vauxhall Vectra B Estate 2.5i V6: An Overview
The Vectra B Estate aimed to provide a versatile vehicle capable of handling both daily commuting and longer journeys with ample cargo space. The Estate body style, in particular, was popular in Europe where practicality and load-carrying capacity were highly valued. The 2.5-liter V6 engine offered a substantial power upgrade over the base models, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing performance. This model year saw improvements in build quality and refinement compared to the earlier Vectra B models, addressing some criticisms leveled at the initial release.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B Estate 2.5i V6 is its 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated the Y26SE. This engine produces 170 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine features a V-configuration with 4 valves per cylinder, controlled by a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. This configuration delivers a relatively smooth power delivery and a characteristic V6 sound. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of approximately 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 133.59 mph (215 km/h). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.1 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. Fuel economy is rated at 15 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Vectra B Estate is a five-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. Its design reflects the styling trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s, characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated aesthetic. The Estate body style provides a generous cargo area, with a minimum capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cu. ft.) expanding to 1490 liters (52.62 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s dimensions are 4490 mm (176.77 in) in length, 1710 mm (67.32 in) in width, and 1490 mm (58.66 in) in height. The wheelbase measures 2637 mm (103.82 in). The 2.5i V6 models often included features such as alloy wheels (7J x 16 inch rims with 205/55 R16 tires), upgraded interior trim, and potentially climate control, depending on the specific trim level.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i V6 (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| 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 | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 3200 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y26SE |
| 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1397 kg (3079.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 568 kg (1252.23 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1490 l (52.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4490 mm (176.77 in.) |
| Width | 1710 mm (67.32 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Rear track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B Estate 2.5i V6 Automatic, while not a high-performance sports car, offered a compelling package for families seeking a comfortable, spacious, and reasonably powerful vehicle. Its blend of practicality and refinement made it a popular choice in its segment, and it remains a recognizable and appreciated vehicle among enthusiasts today.
