The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant evolution in the Vectra lineage. As the second generation of the Vectra, the “B” model aimed to address criticisms of its predecessor with improved refinement, safety, and a more contemporary design. The “CC” designation denotes the ‘Comfort Coupe’ body style, a five-door hatchback configuration popular in European markets. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed in the mid-size family car segment, offering a practical and relatively affordable option for buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped vehicle. This model, powered by a 1.8-liter 16-valve engine producing 116 horsepower, was a mainstay of the Vectra B range, balancing performance with fuel economy.
Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V: An Overview
The Vectra B was a crucial model for Vauxhall (owned by General Motors at the time), as it sought to establish itself as a serious contender in the competitive European car market. The hatchback body style, known as the ‘Comfort Coupe’, provided increased practicality compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version. The 1.8i 16V engine was a popular choice, offering a good compromise between performance and running costs. It was designed to appeal to families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle for both daily commuting and longer journeys. The Vectra B, and specifically this 1.8i variant, was a common sight on European roads during its production run.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V is its 1799 cc (109.78 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the X18XE. This naturally aspirated engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. It produces a maximum power output of 116 horsepower (86.5 kW) at 5400 rpm, and a torque figure of 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) at 3600 rpm. This configuration delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 11 kg/Hp. The engine’s performance translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11 seconds, and a top speed of 203 km/h (126.14 mph). The five-speed manual transmission allows for driver engagement and efficient power delivery. Fuel consumption figures are rated at 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) combined, with 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are rated at 200 g/km.
Design & Features
The Vectra B CC adopted a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to the angular styling of the previous generation. The five-door hatchback body style offers enhanced practicality with a large rear hatch providing easy access to the cargo area. The interior was designed with comfort and functionality in mind, offering seating for five passengers. While not boasting the advanced safety features of modern vehicles, the Vectra B included standard safety equipment for its time, such as seatbelts and a reinforced safety cell. The trunk (boot) space is a generous 480 liters (16.95 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 790 liters (27.9 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4495 mm (176.97 in.) in length, 1707 mm (67.2 in.) in width, and 1425 mm (56.1 in.) in height. The kerb weight is 1279 kg (2819.71 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B CC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8i 16V (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 200 g/km |
| 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 | 203 km/h (126.14 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3600 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X18XE |
| Engine displacement | 1799 cm3 (109.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81.6 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1279 kg (2819.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max load | 511 kg (1126.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 790 l (27.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4495 mm (176.97 in.) |
| Width | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B CC 1.8i 16V, while not a performance icon, offered a solid and reliable package for buyers in the mid-size segment. Its blend of practicality, reasonable running costs, and comfortable ride made it a popular choice in Europe during its production years. It represents a significant step forward for the Vectra nameplate, laying the groundwork for future iterations of this family car.
