The Vauxhall/Opel Vectra B was one of those cars that stuck around for a long time and became a part of daily life for many. I’ve dug through a lot of info about it, and here’s what I found out. The Vectra B replaced the Vauxhall Cavalier in the UK and was first shown off in 1995. It wasn’t just a regular sedan; it came with an estate version too, making it more practical for families. Plus, in 1999, the car got a facelift with a sleeker look and some upgraded features.
Engines & Performance
When it came to the engine options, the Vectra B had a mix of choices, whether you were after something basic or a bit sportier. Here’s what was on offer:
- 1.6L (75 PS) – This was the entry-level engine, not too exciting but enough for a daily driver.
- 2.0L (136 PS) – A bit more punchy, especially for those who wanted something with more kick.
- 2.5L V6 (170 PS) – The top choice for those after a smoother, more powerful drive.
For the diesel lovers, there was a 1.7L diesel engine (82 PS) and a 2.0L (82-101 PS) option as well.
One of the cool things is that the Vectra B also had a special 2.6L V6 engine towards the end of its run, which offered better power and emissions.
The Facelift and Special Models
The Vectra got a refresh in 1999, giving it a more modern look with some tweaks to the headlights and body. But it wasn’t just about looks; it also had improved handling and equipment. If you were looking for something a bit more exclusive, the Vectra B came with some pretty exciting special editions too:
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Vectra i500 – Inspired by touring car racing, this one was a beast, with the 2.5L V6 engine pushed to 195 PS.
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Vectra ST200 – A really limited edition (only 38 made!), with sportier features like Recaro seats, bigger brakes, and a bump in power to 200 PS.
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Vectra Supertouring – Based on the Vectra SRi, this edition was available in just three colors and came with two engine options – a 136 PS 2.0L and a 170 PS 2.5L V6.
One of the rarest versions was the 2.6 GSi, which came out as a last-of-the-line model. Only 500 were made, with upgrades like Xenon headlights and bigger brakes.
Production Around the World
The Vectra B didn’t just stay in Europe. It made its way to other parts of the world too:
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In Egypt, they made both the 1.6L and 2.0L models starting in 1996. They kept updating the Vectra through the years, with a 1.6L 16v version coming in 2000.
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In North America, the Vectra B was sold as the Saturn L-Series for a few years, starting in 2000.
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In South America, it was sold as the Chevrolet Vectra, and even became a safety car for the IndyCar series in Brazil. It came with engine options like a 2.0L 8-valve with 110 PS, and a 2.2L engine with 138 PS for the sportier trims.
A Bit of a Mixed Reputation
Although the Vectra B had its fair share of special editions and decent engine choices, it didn’t always win awards for excitement. In fact, Top Gear once included the 1995 Vectra in their list of the 13 Worst Cars of the Last 20 Years – not exactly a glowing review! Jeremy Clarkson himself was pretty harsh on the car, calling it “so mediocre that he refused to drive it.”
The End of the Line
Production of the Vectra B ended in 2002. It was replaced by the Vectra C, which was based on a different platform and had a completely different feel to it.
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