The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (120 Hp) is a compact hatchback produced by Vauxhall, the British marque that is now part of Stellantis, between 2004 and 2005. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Cruise,” signifying a focus on a more refined driving experience. Positioned within the D-segment in Europe – competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406 – the Vectra C represented Vauxhall’s attempt to offer a practical, comfortable, and relatively affordable family car. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the mid-2000s and the growing popularity of diesel engines.
Vauxhall Vectra C CC: An Overview
The Vectra C was the third generation of the Vectra, launched in 2002. It represented a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a more modern design and improved levels of refinement. The hatchback body style, particularly the CC variant, offered increased practicality and versatility compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version. The 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC engine was a key component of the Vectra C’s appeal, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and respectable performance. This model aimed to appeal to drivers seeking a comfortable and economical vehicle for daily commuting and family use.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C CC 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC is a 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DT. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,000-2,750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 4.7 kg/Nm. This translates to a maximum speed of 199 km/h (123.65 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 154 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Vectra C CC is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design was considered contemporary for its time, with a relatively streamlined profile and a focus on practicality. The hatchback configuration provides a generous 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 1,360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,611 mm (181.54 in.) in length, 1,798 mm (70.79 in.) in width, and 1,460 mm (57.48 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,700 mm (106.3 in.). Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior focused on providing a comfortable and functional environment, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. While not boasting the advanced infotainment systems found in modern vehicles, the Vectra C CC offered a reasonable level of equipment for its price point.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 154 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 199 km/h (123.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DT |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1315 kg (2899.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1360 l (48.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4611 mm (181.54 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represents a significant example of European automotive engineering during the early 2000s. Its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice for families and commuters in Europe. The vehicle’s specifications highlight the growing importance of diesel engines in the European market and the increasing focus on reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.
