March 2008


Opel Vectra Station Wagon: Elegant, Comfortable and Spacious

  • Roomy: Luggage compartment with up to 1850 liters load capacity
  • Versatile: Engine output range from 100 hp to 280 hp
  • Standard: All diesel units with maintenance-free diesel particulate filter



Rüsselsheim. Introduced in late 2003, the Vectra station wagon is the ideal partner for customers who want a versatile, functional load carrier. With cargo space of up to
1850 liters (according to VDA standard), it sets standards in its class. At the same time, the elegant station wagon boasts dynamic handling qualities, especially in the OPC variant which has a top speed of 250 km/h. The Vectra station wagon combines exclusive technology with a range of ten gasoline and diesel engines, as well as four transmission variants distributed over four equipment lines. Its range of high-tech options includes the IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), as well as Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) bi-xenon front headlamps with dynamic curve and static cornering light. In addition, the Opel Vectra station wagon’s practicality is highlighted by features such as the remote control power rear tailgate and swiveling tow hitch.

Design and packaging

Since model year 2006, the Vectra station wagon has been distinguished by its dynamic front end with chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass. A wide chrome crossbar with large Opel logo is the dominant feature of the grille. The station wagon’s long wheelbase combined with short overhangs is also striking, while the flowing side-window graphics over the pronounced shoulder enhance the station wagon’s elegant, elongated silhouette.
This model is the first choice for station wagon buyers primarily because of its ample and flexible space − a result of intelligent interior layout. The Vectra station wagon offers plenty of room not only for driver and front passenger, but also for occupants in the rear, with best-in-class rear head and legroom. The luggage compartment is also spacious, providing cargo capacity of up to 1850 liters. The maximum load-floor length is almost three meters with the front passenger seat back folded down. The rear bench seat back has a
load-through hatch and splits 1/3 : 2/3, while the tailgate opens high, allowing a generous standing height of 1.90 meters.

Passive safety

Passive safety is also one of the Vectra station wagon’s great strengths. The basis for this is formed by the extensive use of lightweight, 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) and active head restraints in front that reduce the risk of whiplash injury 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 station wagon in four equipment lines. Highlights include:
Vectra Station Wagon − Air conditioning, radio remote control central locking,
height-adjustable driver’s seat, split fold-down rear bench seat back, power windows in front, dual-adjustable steering wheel, heated power exterior mirrors, front and rear reading lights
Vectra Station Wagon Edition Plus (in addition to Vectra Station Wagon) − Two-zone Electronic Climate Control (ECC), stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with remote control on steering wheel, leather steering wheel, onboard computer, cruise control, Seat package, pocket on both front seat backs, center arm rest in front, morrocana fabric upholstery (black or saddle brown), solar reflect windshield, fog lamps, roof rails, 17-inch light alloy wheels
Vectra Station Wagon Cosmo Plus (in addition to Vectra Station Wagon Edition Plus) − Heated front seats, bi-xenon curve light, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), front and rear Park Pilot, power windows in front and rear, power tailgate, solar protect heat-absorbing glazing, onboard computer, Visibility package (Automatic Lighting Control ALC, rain sensor, photochromatic interior and exterior mirrors), chrome exterior door handles and door sills, leather upholstery
Vectra Station Wagon OPC (in addition to Vectra Station Wagon 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 swiveling tow hitch with Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Automatic Leveling System (ALS), 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.

Chassis and active safety

Another Vectra station wagon 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 station wagon 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

The Vectra station wagon is available with a range 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 station wagon OPC model, this engine has an output of 206 kW/280 hp and accelerates the OPC to 100 km/h in 6.5 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 frugal, needing only 5.8 to 5.9 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 functional quality, high value retention has top priority in the Vectra station wagon. Thanks to extensive galvanization of the body, Opel grants a 12-year
anti-perforation warranty. The Vectra station wagon’s intelligent body concept facilitates economical repairs − the basis for its favorable insurance classifications. Customers also benefit from the high manufacturing quality at the Rüsselsheim plant − 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 station wagon, which goes far beyond the mandatory guarantee.

Opel Vectra Station Wagon: Facts and figures

Timeline

  • September 2003: World premiere at International Automobile Show (IAA) in Frankfurt
  • November 2003: Market launch in Germany
  • April 2004: Introduction of 1.9 CDTI ECOTEC engines (120 and 150 hp)
  • July 2004: Introduction of additional high-tech equipment, including the adaptive IDSPlus chassis (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 ECOTEC (100 hp) introduced, diesel particulate filter for all CDTI engines as standard, enhanced IDS chassis
  • November 2005: Debut of 2.8-liter V6 turbo OPC with 255 hp and of new 1.8 ECOTEC engine
  • Summer 2006: 1.6 TWINPORT; 2.8-liter V6 turbo OPC engine output increased to 280 hp
  • Spring 2007: 2.8-liter V6 turbo ECOTEC engine output 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 station wagon 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)
  • December 2003: Vectra station wagon wins comparison tests against international competitors in publications “Auto Zeitung”, “Auto Strassenverkehr” and “Auto Bild”
  • June 2004: EurotaxSchwacke declares that Vectra station wagon has best value retention among diesel station wagons in mid-size class
  • Summer 2006: 1.9 CDTI (150 hp) triumphs in comparison tests in “Auto Bild” and “Automobil Tests”
  • 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: 1.9 CDTI (150 hp)
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