The Opel Vivaro A, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2006, represents Opel’s entry into the mid-size van segment. While not directly sold in the United States, the Vivaro is a significant vehicle in the European market, competing with models like the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit, and Renault Trafic. This generation, produced from 2010 to 2013, offered a practical and versatile solution for both commercial and passenger transport, with the 2.0 CDTI (90 Hp) DPF variant being a common configuration. The Vivaro A was a product of a joint venture between Opel, Renault, and Nissan, sharing a platform and many components with the Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar.
Opel Vivaro A (Facelift 2006) 2.0 CDTI: An Overview
The Vivaro A facelift, released in 2006, brought cosmetic and mechanical updates to the original model launched in 2001. The 2.0 CDTI engine, equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to meet increasingly stringent Euro emission standards, became a mainstay of the range. This particular version, producing 90 horsepower, was geared towards users prioritizing fuel efficiency and reliability over outright performance. The van’s design focused on maximizing interior space and practicality, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from delivery services to family transport.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Opel Vivaro A 2.0 CDTI is a 1.995-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, designated M9R 630 or M9R 692, utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and torque. It produces 90 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. Power per liter is rated at 45.1 hp/l. The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, marketed as “Techshift,” designed for smooth and precise gear changes. Performance figures reflect the van’s utilitarian nature; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 19 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 18.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 145 km/h (90.1 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l). The van meets Euro 5 emission standards, thanks to the inclusion of a diesel particulate filter.
Design & Features
The Opel Vivaro A is a front-wheel-drive minivan with a four-door configuration and seating for up to nine passengers. Its body style prioritizes functionality and cargo capacity. The van’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4782 mm (188.27 in) in length, 1904 mm (74.96 in) in width, and 1982 mm (78.03 in) in height. The wheelbase is 3098 mm (121.97 in). The interior is designed for practicality, with a focus on durability and ease of cleaning. The rear cargo area offers a minimum of 1200 liters (42.38 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a maximum of 3100 liters (109.48 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded or removed. Safety features for this generation included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The ride height (ground clearance) is 200 mm (7.87 in), providing reasonable capability on varied road surfaces. The turning circle is 12.4 meters (40.68 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Vivaro |
| Generation | Vivaro A (facelift 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CDTI (90 Hp) DPF |
| Start of production | December, 2010 |
| End of production | November, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 9 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 21.8 kg/Hp, 45.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 45.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1500 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M9R 630, M9R 692 |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1960 kg (4321.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2835 kg (6250.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 875 kg (1929.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1200 l (42.38 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3100 l (109.48 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4782 mm (188.27 in.) |
| Width | 1904 mm (74.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2232 mm (87.87 in.) |
| Height | 1982 mm (78.03 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3098 mm (121.97 in.) |
| Front track | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1630 mm (64.17 in.) |
| Front overhang | 833 mm (32.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 851 mm (33.5 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission Techshift |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Opel Vivaro A (facelift 2006) 2.0 CDTI (90 Hp) DPF, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Its success in the European market demonstrates the demand for versatile vans capable of handling both commercial and personal needs.
