Vauxhall Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC (155 Hp)

The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC (155 Hp) is a five-door hatchback that was produced between 2005 and 2008. Part of the Vectra C generation, this model represented Vauxhall’s offering in the mid-size family car segment. While the Vectra nameplate was well-established in the United Kingdom and Europe, it was not officially sold in the United States. The “CC” designation stands for “Comfort and Convenience,” signifying a focus on features and practicality within the Vectra range. This particular variant, powered by a 2.2-liter ECOTEC engine, aimed to balance performance with reasonable fuel economy, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and comfortable daily driver.

Vauxhall Vectra C CC: An Overview

The Vectra C, launched in 2002, was a significant step forward for Vauxhall (a subsidiary of General Motors) in terms of design and technology. It aimed to compete with established rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The hatchback body style, particularly the CC variant, offered increased practicality compared to the traditional saloon (sedan) version. The 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC engine was a key component of the Vectra C’s appeal, providing a good level of performance for everyday driving. The ECOTEC designation indicated the use of Vauxhall’s fuel-efficient engine technology.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Vectra C CC 2.2i is a naturally aspirated, 2.2-liter (2198 cm³) inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, designated Z22YH, produces 155 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm and 220 Newton-meters (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a power output of 70.5 Hp per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a maximum speed of 217 km/h (134.84 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 8.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with urban consumption at 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg). CO₂ emissions are 180 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Vectra C CC is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design, while typical of early 2000s European cars, featured a relatively streamlined profile with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28. The interior provides seating for five passengers and offers a generous amount of space. The trunk (boot) space is a notable feature, ranging from a minimum of 500 liters (17.66 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1360 liters (48.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4611 mm (181.54 in.), width 1798 mm (70.79 in.) including mirrors 2036 mm (80.16 in.), and height 1460 mm (57.48 in.). The wheelbase measures 2700 mm (106.3 in.). The suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall Vectra C CC 2.2i 16V Direct ECOTEC, while not a performance icon, offered a solid blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency for European drivers in the mid-2000s. It represented a competent and well-rounded package in a competitive segment, showcasing Vauxhall’s engineering capabilities and commitment to providing a versatile family vehicle.