The Opel Vita B, produced between 1993 and 2000, was a subcompact hatchback marketed primarily in Europe. Positioned as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Vita B represented Opel’s entry into the increasingly popular small car segment. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Vita B provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the 1990s and early 2000s, where fuel efficiency and compact dimensions were highly valued. The 1.4i 16V variant, equipped with a 90 horsepower engine, was a common trim level, offering a balance between performance and economy.
Opel Vita B 1.4i 16V: An Overview
The Vita B was a direct successor to the original Opel Vita (launched in 1982), undergoing a significant redesign for the ‘B’ generation. It shared its platform with other General Motors vehicles of the era, including the Vauxhall Corsa B (the UK equivalent) and, with some modifications, the Isuzu Gemini. The Vita B aimed to provide a modern, reliable, and economical transportation solution for European drivers, competing with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. Available as both a 3-door and 5-door hatchback, it catered to a wide range of buyers seeking a versatile and compact vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The 1.4i 16V engine powering the Vita B was a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder unit displacing 1389 cubic centimeters (84.76 cubic inches). This engine produced 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 125 Newton-meters (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The multi-port fuel injection system and double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain contributed to its relatively efficient operation and respectable power output for its size. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 11 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in around 10.5 seconds. The Vita B 1.4i 16V had a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 10.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 7.7 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time. Fuel economy was a key selling point, achieving approximately 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers (22 US mpg) in urban driving and 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers (42 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Opel Vita B featured a typical hatchback body style, prioritizing practicality and space efficiency. The 3-door and 5-door configurations offered varying levels of accessibility. The interior was designed to be functional and durable, with seating for five passengers. While not luxurious, the Vita B offered a comfortable driving experience for its target market. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the early 1990s, included a robust body structure and available anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on higher trim levels. The trunk (boot) space was a notable feature, offering 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1050 liters (37.08 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions – 3729 mm (146.81 in.) in length, 1610 mm (63.39 in.) in width, and 1420 mm (55.91 in.) in height – made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. Hydraulic power steering was standard, enhancing driving comfort and ease of use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vita |
| Generation | Vita B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4i 16V (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3/5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 4000 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1389 cm3 (84.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 965 kg (2127.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1425 kg (3141.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l (9.18 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 3729 mm (146.81 in.) |
| Width | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2443 mm (96.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1387 mm (54.61 in.) |
| Rear track | 1388 mm (54.65 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
The Opel Vita B, while not a performance icon, served as a reliable and economical transportation option for many European drivers. Its compact size, practical design, and relatively efficient engine made it a popular choice in the crowded subcompact car market. The Vita B represents a significant chapter in Opel’s history and provides a valuable case study in the development of small cars during the 1990s.
