The Vauxhall Vectra B Estate 2.0i 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 1998, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineup. As part of the B generation Vectra, this estate (station wagon) model offered a practical and relatively affordable option for families in the United Kingdom and Europe. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vectra B competed with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406, offering a blend of comfort, space, and reasonable performance. The “Estate” body style, popular in Europe, prioritized cargo capacity, making it a versatile vehicle for both daily commuting and longer journeys.
Vauxhall Vectra B Estate: An Overview
The Vectra B Estate built upon the success of its predecessor, the Vectra A, with a more refined design and improved mechanical components. It was a key model for Vauxhall (owned by General Motors at the time) in the competitive D-segment, aiming to provide a compelling alternative to established European brands. The 2.0i 16V variant, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice, balancing fuel economy with adequate power for most driving situations. This model focused on providing a comfortable and practical experience, rather than outright sporting performance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra B Estate 2.0i 16V is a 1,998 cc (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated X20XEV, produces 136 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 188 Nm (138.66 lb-ft) of torque at 3,400 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of approximately 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). While not exceptionally quick by modern standards, these figures were competitive for its class and era. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 98.7 horsepower per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 136.4 Nm per tonne. Fuel economy is rated at 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 US mpg) in urban driving and 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Vectra B Estate is a five-door station wagon, offering seating for five passengers. Its design reflects the styling trends of the mid-1990s, with a relatively conservative but functional aesthetic. The estate body style significantly expands the cargo capacity compared to the saloon (sedan) version. With the rear seats in place, the trunk offers 460 liters (16.24 cubic feet) of space, expanding to a substantial 1,490 liters (52.62 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down.
Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. Other features included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and disc brakes on the rear. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 195/65 R15 tires. Interior features focused on practicality and comfort, with cloth upholstery and basic amenities. The Vectra B Estate prioritized functionality and value for money over luxurious appointments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra B Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.1 l/100 km (16.7 US mpg, 20 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK 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 | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 3400 rpm (138.66 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20XEV |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1378 kg (3037.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1960 kg (4321.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 582 kg (1283.09 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1490 l (52.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4490 mm (176.77 in.) |
| Width | 1710 mm (67.32 in.) |
| Height | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2637 mm (103.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Rear track | 1463 mm (57.6 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Vauxhall Vectra B Estate 2.0i 16V Automatic, while not a performance icon, served as a reliable and practical family vehicle for many European drivers. Its blend of space, comfort, and reasonable running costs made it a popular choice in a competitive market segment.
