The Opel Vita C 1.4 16V, produced between 2000 and 2004, was a subcompact hatchback primarily aimed at the European market. Positioned as an affordable and practical vehicle, the Vita C represented Opel’s entry into the competitive small car segment. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and characteristics provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the early 2000s. The Vita C was essentially a rebadged and updated version of the Isuzu Gemini, a result of Opel’s then-partnership with Isuzu. It offered a budget-friendly alternative to more established rivals like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.
Opel Vita C: An Overview
The Vita C occupied a crucial space in Opel’s lineup, offering a no-frills, economical transportation solution. It was available with both three and five-door body styles, catering to different consumer needs. The 1.4 16V engine variant, producing 90 horsepower, was a popular choice, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate performance for urban and highway driving. The vehicle’s design prioritized functionality and affordability over luxury or sporty aesthetics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Opel Vita C 1.4 16V is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine, displacing 1389 cm³ (84.76 cubic inches), generates a maximum power output of 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 125 Nm (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 13.3 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 9.6 kg/Nm indicate a modest but acceptable level of performance for its class and intended use. Fuel economy is rated at 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) combined, with 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Opel Vita C is a conventional hatchback, characterized by its practical and unassuming design. Available as a three or five-door model, it offered seating for five passengers. The interior prioritized functionality, with a focus on providing a comfortable and usable space. Features were relatively basic, reflecting the car’s budget-oriented positioning. Safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common in this segment during the early 2000s. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet), expandable to 1060 liters (37.43 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions – 3817 mm (150.28 in) in length, 1646 mm (64.8 in) in width, and 1440 mm (56.69 in) in height – positioned it squarely within the subcompact hatchback category. Hydraulic power steering and a steering rack and pinion system provided responsive handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vita |
| Generation | Vita C |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 16V (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 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 |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.6 mm (3.06 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 260 l (9.18 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1060 l (37.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 3817 mm (150.28 in.) |
| Width | 1646 mm (64.8 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2491 mm (98.07 in.) |
| Front track | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Rear track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
In conclusion, the Opel Vita C 1.4 16V was a practical and affordable hatchback that served as a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers in Europe. While not a performance car, it offered a reliable and economical means of transportation, embodying the principles of functional design and value for money.
