The Opel Vita B, produced between 1993 and 2000, was a small family car marketed by the German automaker Opel. Positioned as a practical and affordable hatchback, the Vita B represented a significant update to the original Vita, offering improved styling, enhanced safety features, and a more refined driving experience. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vita (and its Vauxhall counterpart in the UK) was a popular choice in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Renault Clio. The “B” designation signifies the second generation of the Vita, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor.
Opel Vita B 1.6i 16V: An Overview
The 1.6i 16V variant of the Vita B was a mid-range offering, powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. This engine provided a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a versatile choice for both city driving and longer journeys. Available with both three and five-door body styles, the Vita B catered to a wide range of buyers seeking a compact and functional vehicle. The 16-valve cylinder head contributed to improved engine breathing and, consequently, increased power output compared to earlier Vita models.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vita B 1.6i 16V lies a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder engine displacing 1598 cm³ (97.52 cubic inches). This engine generates 106 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 148 Nm (109.16 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio of 9.1 kg/Hp (110.4 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.5 kg/Nm (154.2 Nm/tonne) provide reasonably sprightly performance for its class. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10 seconds, while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in around 9.5 seconds. The Vita B 1.6i 16V boasts a maximum speed of 192 km/h (119.3 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) on the open road. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 10:1.
Design & Features
The Opel Vita B is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations. Its design, while relatively conservative, was modern for its time, featuring rounded edges and a relatively spacious interior for a vehicle of its size. The hatchback body style provides practical cargo-carrying capabilities, with a trunk volume ranging from 260 liters (9.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1050 liters (37.08 cu. ft.) when folded down. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment on the 1.6i 16V model. The interior offered basic amenities, focusing on functionality and durability. Hydraulic power steering was also a standard feature, enhancing ease of maneuverability. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3729 mm (146.81 in.) in length, 1610 mm (63.39 in.) in width, and 1420 mm (55.91 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2443 mm (96.18 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vita |
| Generation | Vita B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (106 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) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 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 | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 106 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 4000 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm³ (97.52 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 |
| Kerb Weight | 960 kg (2116.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1415 kg (3119.54 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 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 Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The Opel Vita B 1.6i 16V, while not a performance car, offered a practical and reliable transportation solution for European drivers in the 1990s. Its combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice in a competitive segment. The Vita B served as a stepping stone for Opel, paving the way for future generations of small family cars.
