The Vauxhall Vectra C 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (150 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2004 and 2005, represents a significant iteration in Vauxhall’s mid-size family car lineage. As part of the Vectra C generation (2002-2008), this model aimed to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency for the European market. While the Vauxhall brand is not directly marketed in the United States, understanding the Vectra C provides insight into the automotive landscape of its time and the technologies employed by General Motors (Vauxhall’s parent company) in Europe. This particular variant, powered by a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine and paired with an automatic transmission, was designed to appeal to drivers seeking fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Vauxhall Vectra C: A European Family Sedan
The Vectra C was Vauxhall’s offering in the highly competitive D-segment, facing rivals like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 406. It was positioned as a mainstream, family-oriented vehicle, offering a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a range of engine options. The 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC variant specifically targeted buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and torque, making it suitable for long-distance driving and carrying passengers or cargo. The “ECOTEC” designation signified Vauxhall’s commitment to engine technology focused on reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vectra C 1.9 CDTi is a 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DTH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm. The use of a turbocharger and intercooler significantly boosts power output from the relatively small displacement engine. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system, contributing to improved combustion efficiency and reduced noise. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers smooth and responsive performance. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 209 km/h (129.87 mph). Fuel economy figures are respectable for its class, with combined consumption rated at 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg or 41.5 UK mpg). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.7 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Vectra C is a four-door sedan with a conventional layout. Its design, while not overtly sporty, is modern and functional, reflecting the early 2000s aesthetic. The interior prioritizes practicality and comfort, offering seating for five passengers. Key features include a spacious trunk with a minimum capacity of 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) expanding to 1050 liters (37.08 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Vectra C’s dimensions are 4611 mm (181.54 in.) in length, 1798 mm (70.79 in.) in width, and 1460 mm (57.48 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm (106.3 in.). The drag coefficient of 0.28 contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency. The front suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear employs an independent multi-link suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vectra |
| Generation | Vectra C |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 184 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4611 mm (181.54 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2036 mm (80.16 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
The Vauxhall Vectra C 1.9 CDTi ECOTEC Automatic, while not a vehicle commonly found in the United States, represents a well-rounded and practical family car that was popular in Europe. Its combination of fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior made it a competitive offering in the D-segment during its production run. The vehicle’s technical specifications highlight the advancements in diesel engine technology and automatic transmission design of the early 2000s.
