March 2008


Opel Vectra: Wide Selection Right To The Top

  • Model line with ample space and outstanding safety
  • Top-of-the-line Vectra OPC with 280-hp, 2.8 V6 turbo sets driving dynamics standards
  • Common-rail turbo-diesels with maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard



Rüsselsheim. Available since 2002, the third Vectra generation boasts spaciousness, a high level of comfort, leading-edge technology and outstanding safety. With a station wagon model, four and five-door sedans, four equipment lines, ten gasoline and diesel engines, as well as four transmissions, the successful Opel Vectra model range meets every demand in the mid-size car class. This extensive lineup is combined with exclusive technology, including the IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), as well as adaptive AFL bi-xenon headlamps (Adaptive Forward Lighting), which combine dynamic curve and static cornering light in a single lighting unit. The Vectra is the first car in this segment to offer these types of high-tech elements. The dynamic OPC variant with 206 kW/280 hp is the top-of-the-line model in the Vectra range.

Design and packaging

The four-door Vectra sedan was launched in spring 2002 as the first volume model to feature the new Opel design language. This was followed by the sporty five-door GTS and the five-door sedan. Since model year 2006, the Vectra has been distinguished by its dynamic front end with cylindrical, chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass. A wide chrome crossbar with large Opel logo is the dominant feature of the grille.
The Vectra model range sets segment standards in passenger comfort, particularly for head and legroom in the rear, which are the best in this class. The luggage compartment provides ample storage space of 500 liters (VDA standard), and by folding down the rear bench, it can be expanded to 1050 liters in the four-door sedan and to as much as
1360 liters in the five-door Vectra.

Passive safety

Passive safety is one of the Vectra’s great strengths. The basis for this is formed by the extensive use of lightweight and high-strength materials. The extremely rigid passenger cell is complemented by standard safety equipment including multi-stage front airbags, side airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as head curtain airbags in front and rear. The patented Pedal Release System (PRS), active head restraints in front to reduce the risk of whiplash injury and L-shaped head restraints in the rear round off the passenger safety package. The outer rear seats feature mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system.

Equipment and extras

Opel offers the Vectra in four equipment lines. Highlights include:
Vectra − Air conditioning, radio remote control central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, split fold-down rear bench seat back, power windows in front, height and
reach-adjustable steering wheel, heated power exterior mirrors, front and rear reading lights
Vectra Edition Plus (in addition to Vectra) − Two-zone Electronic Climate Control (ECC), cruise control, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with remote controls on steering wheel, leather steering wheel, onboard computer, Seat package, pockets on both front seat backs, center arm rest in front, fabric upholstery with morrocana (black or saddle brown), solar reflect windshield, fog lamps, 17-inch light alloy wheels
Vectra Cosmo Plus (in addition to Vectra Edition Plus) − Heated front seats, heat-absorbing glazing, bi-xenon curve light, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front and rear Park Pilot, front and rear power windows, Visibility package (Automatic Lighting Control ALC, rain sensor, photochromatic interior and exterior mirrors), chrome exterior door handles and door sills, leather upholstery
Vectra OPC (only five-door, in addition to Vectra Cosmo Plus) − 18-inch light alloy wheels, IDSPlus2 sport chassis, Recaro sport seats, fabric/leather upholstery, OPC leather steering wheel, special OPC parts (including tailpipe, brakes, radiator grille, rear spoiler and bumpers)

The range of optional extras includes the Station Wagon package with swiveling tow hitch, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and automatic leveling system. Leather trim, up to
19-inch light alloy wheels in a variety of styles, as well as a wide range of infotainment systems up to the top-of-the line stereo CD-Radio DVD 90 Navi are also available.

Chassis and active safety

Another Vectra highlight is the standard IDS (Interactive Driving System) chassis. The basis for this is a McPherson strut front suspension hinged to the subframe, and a four-link rear suspension. In addition, the Vectra features map-controlled, electro-hydraulic rack-and-pinion power steering, four-channel ABS with Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program ESPPlus, along with Traction Control TCPlus with engine and braking intervention, as well as brake assist. Optimal balance between driving comfort and stability is provided by the adaptive IDSPlus chassis with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This networked, high-tech chassis system comes standard with the 3.0-liter V6 CDTI and both 2.8 V6 turbo engines. It is also available as an option with the 2.0-liter turbo and the 150 hp CDTI units, as well as the 2.2 DIRECT.

Engines and transmissions

A wide range of state-of-the-art ECOTEC engines is available for the Vectra, consisting of six gasoline units and four CDTI common-rail turbo-diesels, which are equipped with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The top-of-the-line unit is the 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharger, which produces 184 kW/250 hp. In the top sporty Vectra OPC model, this engine has an output of 206 kW/280 hp and accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. The most powerful diesel engine, the 3.0-liter V6 CDTI, produces 400 Nm of torque from just 1900 rpm, ensuring excellent driving performance. The six-cylinder engine also offers respectable fuel economy: it requires only 6.9 to 7.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.
The three 1.9 CDTI engines are even more economical, needing only 5.7 to 5.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

All engines come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, except for the 1.6 and 1.8-liter gasoline units. The 2.2 DIRECT is optionally available with a five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available for both 2.8 V6 turbos, the 1.9 CDTI (150 hp) and the 3.0 V6 CDTI units.

Quality and economic efficiency

In addition to technical and functional quality, the Opel Vectra also boasts superb economic efficiency and high value retention. A prime example of this is the extensive galvanization of the body, backed up by a 12-year anti-perforation warranty. The Vectra’s intelligent body concept facilitates quick and economical repairs − the basis for its favorable insurance classifications. Customers also benefit from the high manufacturing quality at the Rüsselsheim plant, which is one of the most advanced car production facilities in the world. As with all its other models, Opel grants a two-year new-car manufacturer’s warranty for the Vectra, which goes far beyond the mandatory guarantee.

Opel Vectra: Facts and figures

Timeline

  • January 2002: Production starts at new Rüsselsheim plant
  • March 2002: World premiere of third Vectra generation at Geneva Motor Show
  • April 2002: Official sales start in Germany
  • May 2002: European market launch
  • September 2002: Market launch of GTS sport sedan
  • May 2003: Introduction of 2.0-liter turbo engine
  • Summer 2003: Engine range expanded by the 3.0 V6 CDTI
  • April 2004: Market launch of 1.9 CDTI engines (120 and 150 hp)
  • Spring 2004: GTS production starts at Rüsselsheim plant
  • July 2004: Introduction of additional high-tech equipment, including the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system (Interactive Driving System) with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control)
  • September 2005: Modified front end, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with 230 turbo hp and 1.9 CDTI (100 hp), enhanced IDS chassis, diesel particulate filter for all CDTI engines as standard
  • November 2005: Debut of 2.8 V6 turbo Vectra OPC with 255 hp; new 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC and 1.8 ECOTEC
  • Summer 2006: OPC engine output increased to 280 hp
  • Spring 2007: Output of 2.8 V6 turbo ECOTEC engine increased from 230 hp to 250 hp
  • Summer 2007: “Plus” standard equipment with all variants


Highlights

  • All diesel models with maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard
  • First mid-size class car to feature an adaptive chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL bi-xenon headlamp system (Adaptive Forward Lighting optional, standard in OPC model)
  • November 2002: “Golden Steering Wheel” award
  • September 2004: Opel Vectra 1.9 CDTI (150 hp) wins mid-size segment comparison test in “Auto Zeitung”, taking victory over 12 international competitors
  • January 2007: Achieves low defect rate in German TÜV Report 2007
  • Most popular equipment variant in Germany in 2007: Edition
  • Most popular engine in Germany in 2007: 1.8 ECOTEC
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