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 Automatic variant, equipped with a 90 horsepower engine, was a common configuration, offering a balance between performance and economy.
Opel Vita B 1.4i 16V: An Overview
The Vita B was essentially a rebadged and updated version of the Isuzu Gemini, a result of a partnership between Opel and Isuzu. This collaboration allowed Opel to quickly enter the subcompact market without significant development costs. The Vita B was available in both 3-door and 5-door body styles, catering to different consumer needs. It served as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Renault Clio, offering a practical and economical transportation solution for urban drivers.
Engine & Performance
The 1.4i 16V engine powering the Vita B is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 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 relatively efficient combustion for its time. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Vita B 1.4i 16V achieved a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 12.8 seconds. Its maximum speed was rated at 172 km/h (106.88 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 modest but adequate performance level for everyday driving.
Design & Features
The Opel Vita B featured a typical hatchback design of the early 1990s, characterized by a relatively boxy silhouette and a focus on maximizing interior space within a compact footprint. The 3-door version offered a sportier appearance, while the 5-door provided greater practicality for families. Interior features were basic but functional, prioritizing affordability and durability. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, typically including seatbelts and a basic chassis structure. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet), expandable to 1050 liters (37.08 cubic feet) with the rear seats 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 well-suited for navigating crowded city streets and parking in tight spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vita |
| Generation | Vita B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4i 16V (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3/5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg / 25 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg / 44.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 172 km/h (106.88 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 | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 groundbreaking vehicle, played a significant role in providing affordable and practical transportation to European consumers during the 1990s. Its simple design, economical engine, and compact size made it a popular choice for urban dwellers and first-time car buyers. The Vita B represents a period of collaboration and adaptation within the European automotive industry, showcasing how manufacturers leveraged partnerships to meet evolving market demands.
