Opel Vectra

"Chevrolet Vectra" redirects here. For the version of the car sold in Brazil from 2009 to 2011, seeOpel Astra.For the Chevrolet Vectra D sold in Chile, seeOpel Insignia.

TheOpel Vectrais amid-size car(large family car) that was engineered and produced by the German automakerOpelfrom 1988 until 2010. Available insaloon,hatchbackandestate(frommodel year1997 onwards) body styles, the Vectra was also sold by theVauxhallmarquein theUnited Kingdomas theVauxhall Cavalierfrom 1988 to 1995 and then as theVauxhall Vectrafrom 1995 to 2008, and it was also sold byHoldenin Australia as theHolden Vectra,byChevroletin Latin America as theChevrolet Vectra.

Opel Vectra
Opel Vectra C (facelift)
Overview
Manufacturer	Opel(General Motors)
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Cavalier(1988–1995) Vauxhall Vectra (1995–2008)
Production	October 1988 – June 2010
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car(D-segment)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Opel Ascona Vauxhall Cavalier Holden Camira/Holden Apollo(Holden Vectra)
Successor	Opel Insignia

The Vectra was introduced in October 1988 as a replacement for theOpel Ascona,and was itself replaced in November 2008 by the newOpel Insignia,the nameplate spanning three generations and almost twenty one years.

Vectra A (1988–1995)

Vectra A
(Pre-facelift)
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra (New Zealand) Vauxhall Cavalier
Production	October 1988 – October 1995
Assembly	Germany:Eisenach Germany:Rüsselsheim Belgium:Antwerp Brazil:São Caetano do Sul(1993–1996) Egypt:6th of October City(GME;1994–1996) England:Luton Indonesia:Bekasi(GMBI) Turkey:Torbalı,İzmir Venezuela:Caracas(General Motors Valencia) Yugoslavia:Kikinda(IDA-Opel)
Designer	Wayne Cherry
Body and chassis
Body style	4-doornotchbacksaloon 5-doorhatchback
Platform	GM2900 platform
Related	Opel Calibra Saab 900 (NG)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.4 L14NVI4 1.6 LC16NZ/E16NZ/16SV/16LZ2/X16SZI4 1.8 L18SV/C18SV/E18NVR/C18NZI4 2.0 L20NE/C20NE/20SEHI4 2.0 L20XE/C20XEDOHC16VI4 2.0 LC20LETDOHC 16VturboI4 2.2 LC22NEI4 (Brazil) 2.5 LC25XEV6 Diesel: 1686 cc4EE1turbo I4 1700 cc17D/17DRI4
Transmission	5-speedmanual(F10/5, F13/5, F16/5, F20/5) 6-speedGetragmanual (F28/6) 4-speedautomatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,430 mm (174.4 in) (saloon) 4,350 mm (171.3 in) (hatch)
Width	1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height	1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight	997–1,199 kg (2,198–2,643 lb) (4-cyl petrols)

Saloon (pre-facelift)

Hatchback (pre-facelift)

The first generation Vectra, known as the Vectra A, was introduced in October 1988 for the 1989 model year, as a four-doornotchbacksaloon,replacing theOpel AsconaC. A five-doorhatchbackversion arrived in March 1989, and acoupébased on the Vectra, called theCalibra,was introduced in the end of that year. Both cars were designed byWayne Cherry,Opel’s design chief at the time. The Vectra name was coined byManfred Gotta.

Vauxhall Motors, the British GM subsidiary that shared most of its models with Opel, did not use the "Vectra" model name - opting instead to continue the use of the Cavalier nameplate - effectively making the Vectra A a third-generation Cavalier when carrying Vauxhall branding. It was not until the introduction of the Vectra B into the United Kingdom in October 1995 that the Cavalier name was retired in favour of Vectra. However,left hand driveOpel Vectras were produced at Vauxhall'sLutonplant for export to other European countries.

The 1989 Vectra came in Base, LS, GL, GLS, CD, and GT models, its sister model was the third-generationCavalier.Engines ranged initially from a 75 PS (55 kW) 1.4 L to a 130 PS (96 kW) 2.0 LFamily II.The top-of-the-line Vectra 2000 16V arrived in September 1989. Its sixteen valve version of the 2.0 L engine produces 150 PS (110 kW) and was only available with the sedan bodywork, with available four-wheel drive.

The sixteen-valve engine also appeared in GT (GSi in some markets) models after the facelift, now mainly as a hatchback. Twofour-wheel driveversions were added to the lineup in January 1989, with either of the 2-litre engines, and in September 1992 the car received a limited editionturbochargedversion with 204 PS (150 kW). In1994,the 4x4 turbo version of the Vectra was used as theSafety CarinFormula One.

Most notably, it was deployed at theSan Marino Grand Prix.

The 1.4-litre engine was not available in all markets, and even then, it was generally only available in basic trims (Base/L in United Kingdom, LS/GL in Europe). In markets as Italy, where smaller engines were favored by the taxation system, a better equipped 1.4 GLS was also offered.With the introduction ofEuro Iemissions regulations, the 1.4 was replaced by a 1.6 L with the same output for most markets.

A 2.5 LV6 engineappeared towards the later stages of the Vectra's life, developing 170 PS (125 kW), turning the car into a relaxed motorway cruiser rather than giving it sporty pretensions. There were a choice of twodiesel engines;one was anIsuzu1.7 L4EE1inline-fourunit, in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged form (1686 cc), this one capable of achieving 82 PS (60 kW), and an Opel designed 1.7 "low blow"turbodiesel(1699 cc), and naturally aspirated diesel unit, delivering 57 to 60 PS (42 to 44 kW).

The frontsuspensionwas fullyindependent,withMacPherson struts,pressed steel lower control arms, and ananti-roll bar.The front suspension, together with the major mechanicals (engine and transmission) is remotely mounted on a frontsubframe.On front wheel drive models, the rear suspension is semi independent, consisting of atorsion beamlinked to trailing arms, with double conicalcoil springsand direct acting telescopichydraulicshock absorbers,with certain models also having an anti roll bar.

On the four wheel drive GSi, 4x4 and Turbo models, the rear suspension is a subframe mounted fully independent design, with semi trailing arms, double conical coil springs, direct acting gas assisted telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti roll bar.Steeringgear is arack and pinion-type (manual or power assisted, depending on model), mounted on thebulkhead(firewall), with a telescopically deformablesteering column.

Facelift (1992)

The Vectra also received a refresh in September 1992.The range received new front grilles and a black plastic strip above the rear taillamps, along with an upgrade to the structure for improvedcrashworthiness.Airbagsbecame available onwards from 1993.

• 
  Hatchback (facelift)
• 
  Saloon (facelift)
• 
  Hatchback (facelift)

In New Zealand, the Vectra A was offered initially as an Opel between 1989 and 1994, but it woreHoldenbadges between 1994 and 1996 until the introduction of the Vectra B. It was not sold in Australia, where Holden instead offered arebadgedToyota CamrycalledApollountil 1997. In Japan, the Vectra (andOmega) were the first Opels to be distributed by Isuzu Motors Ltd. rather than long standing importer Toho Motors ( đông bang モーターズ), beginning in July 1989.

InEgypt,the Opel Vectra A was not introduced until 1994 through GM Egypt dealerships, and started production in the end of 1994 by GM Egypt through the beginning of 1996, with a range of 1.6 GL, 2.0 GL trim and 2.0 GLS trim and only Saloon body style boosting strong sales during this short run. This was similar to theOpel Kadett.

Chevrolet Vectra (Brazil)

In Brazil, the Chevrolet badged Vectra A was not introduced until 1993, when it replaced the top versions ofChevrolet Monza,a restyled version of the Ascona C. The first Brazilian model had two engine options:2.0 8 valve,for the GLS and CD versions and the2.0 16 valvewith 150 hp imported from Germany, the later only available for the GSI version. The assembly of the Vectra A goes until 1996, when the Vectra B was launched. Its production was made from CKD.

• 
  Vauxhall Cavalier(pre-facelift)
• 
  Holden Vectra (facelift)

Engines

Engine model	Displ.	Power	Torque	Fueling system	Valvetrain	Top speed
14NV	1.4 L	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,600 rpm	108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
16SV	1.6 L	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,200 rpm	130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	178 km/h (111 mph)
C16NZ(2)	1.6 L	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,200 rpm	127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
E16NZ	1.6 L	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,200 rpm	125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
X16SZR	1.6 L	52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) at 5,000 rpm	128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)
18SV	1.8 L	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5,400 rpm	148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	183 km/h (114 mph)
E18NVR	1.8 L	65 kW (88 PS; 87 hp) at 5,400 rpm	143 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm	Carburettor	SOHC	182 km/h (113 mph)
C18NZ	1.8 L	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5,400 rpm	145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm	SPFI	SOHC	183 km/h (114 mph)
C20NEF	2.0 L	74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) at 5,200 rpm	158 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC
20NE	2.0 L	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5,200 rpm	175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	198 km/h (123 mph)
C20NE	2.0 L	85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5,200 rpm	170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	198 km/h (123 mph)
20SEH	2.0 L	95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) at 5,600 rpm	180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	206 km/h (128 mph)
22NE	2.2 L	103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 5,200 rpm	207 N⋅m (153 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm	MPFI	SOHC	202 km/h (126 mph)
20XEJ	2.0 L	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm	196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	217 km/h (135 mph)
C20XE	2.0 L	110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm	196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	217 km/h (135 mph)
X20XEV	2.0 L	100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) at 5,600 rpm	185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	210 km/h (130 mph)
C20LET	2.0 L	150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) at 5,600 rpm	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm	MPFI,Turbo	DOHC	245 km/h (152 mph)
C25XE	2.5 L	125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 6,000 rpm	227 N⋅m (167 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm	MPFI	DOHC	233 km/h (145 mph)
17D	1.7 L	42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp) at 4,600 rpm 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 4,600 rpm	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–2,600 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	152 km/h (94 mph)
17DR	1.7 L	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 4,600 rpm	105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–2,600 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	152 km/h (94 mph)
TC4EE1	1.7 L	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 4,400 rpm	168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm	Bosch injection pump	SOHC	176 km/h (109 mph)

Vectra B (1995–2002)

Vectra B
Pre-facelift
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra
Production	October 1995 – March 2002
Assembly	Australia (1998–1999):Elizabeth, S.A.(GM-Holden Elizabeth) Belgium:Antwerp(Opel Antwerp plant) Brazil (1996–2005):São Caetano do Sul(GM em São Caetano) Egypt(1998–2005):6th of October City(GME) England:Luton(Luton car assembly plant) Germany:Rüsselsheim Taiwan (1997–2000):Xinzhuang District(Chinese Automobile Co., Ltd.) Turkey (1996–2002): Torbalı,İzmir(GM Türkiye Ltd.)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	GM2900 platform
Related	Saturn L-Series Saab 9-5 (first generation)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.6 L16LZ2I4 1.6 LX16SZRI4 1.6 LX16XELI4 1.8 LX18XEI4 2.0 L20NEJI4 2.0 LX20XEVI4 2.2 LC22SELI4 2.2 LZ22SEI4 2.5 LX25XEV6 2.5 LX25XEIV6 2.6 LY26SEV6 Diesel: 1.7 LCircle LI4 2.0 L DTi I4 2.2 L DTi I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length	4,480 mm (176.4 in) (saloon/hatchback) 4,490 mm (176.8 in) (estate)
Width	1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height	1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight	1,270 kg (2,800 lb)–1,325 kg (2,921 lb)

Pre-facelift

Saloon (Holden Vectra)

Hatchback (Vauxhall Vectra)

Estate (Vauxhall Vectra)

The second model, theVectra B,was introduced in October 1995 for the 1996 model year, at theFrankfurt Motor Show,and the model range came to include anestateversion for the first time. This model replaced theVauxhall Cavalierin the United Kingdom. The five-doorestateversion premiered in September 1996, with the tagline‘One step ahead of the Mob’.

The Vauxhall badged Vectra B was the last Vauxhall to be produced at the company's Luton plant, where the end of automobile production was announced in December 2000, taking effect just over a year later. Car production at the site finished in March 2002,although production of commercial vehicles continued.

Engines started from the 75 PS (55 kW) 1.6 L,Family 1but eventually the 8-valve engines were all replaced by 16-valve powerplants. The 2.0 L Family II engine, with 136 PS (100 kW) was developed as a basis fortouring car racing(later in Australia, 2.2 L 108 kW), but the top of the line was a 2.5 LV6with 170 PS (125 kW).

Diesel power came once again from Isuzu, with 1.7 liters and 82 PS, also a 2.0 L Ecotec with either 82 PS or 101 PS and 2.2 L Ecotec with 125 PS. In 2001, the all new 2.2 L petrol engine, as carried over to the Vectra C, was introduced with the 2.5 L petrol in its last incarnation being upgraded to a 2.6 L to accommodate emissions improvements. In April 1999, the Vectra was updated, receiving a mildly modified body (that can be identified by the single piece headlight units and body coloured bumpers) together with somewhat improved handling and better equipment.

Facelift

Hatchback (facelift)

Hatchback (facelift)

Sedan (Holden Vectra)

Estate (Vauxhall Vectra)

Sporting limited edition models included the touring car championship inspired i500, ST200, Super Touring and GSi. The first model was developed in Germany by Opel Motorsport, with the V6 engine's power increased to 195 PS (143 kW).

The ST200 was a limited run car development and built by MSD in Milton Keynes with upgrades over the GSI including AP Racing 4 Pot Calipers and 325mm discs, AP Racing Suretrac LSD, lower final drive, KONI suspension, Speedline wheels and Recaro seat. Power was increased to 200 PS (146 kW). Only 38 ST200s were produced.

The ST200 was based on the GSI which was also developed by MSD.

The Supertouring was a limited edition trim level based on the Vectra SRi. It was available in only three colours - white, black or red. Two engines were offered - the 2.0 16v with 136bhp or the 170bhp 2.5 V6, with an Irmscher sports exhaust system and white 16-inch alloys and GSi front bumpers.

Only 3,900 2.5 GSi models were ever produced, mostly in saloon and hatchback guise. With only 317 estate versions produced during this time, they became one of the rarest production Vauxhalls ever.

On the 2001 and 2002 model years, a last of the line 2.6 GSi was made also but these were limited to five hundred cars. These were again mostly saloons and hatchbacks, however 37 estates were made. These models received a host of extra upgrades, including to Xenon headlamps, and larger front brakes.

In October 2013,Top Gearmagazine placed the 1995 Vectra on its list ofThe 13 Worst Cars Of The Last 20 Years,describing the car as "so mediocre thatJeremy Clarksonrefused to drive it. "

Production of the Vectra B ended in March 2002.

International production

Egypt

InEgypt,the production of the Opel Vectra B commenced during 1996 with two models, initially in GLS trim with a 1.6-litre, 8v engine and a manual transmission, or in CD trim with a 8-valve, 2.0-litre withautomatic transmission.

Later in 2000, the revised model was produced with three models: 1.6 (8v) GLS withmanual transmission,later replaced by the 1.6 16v GLS trim with automatic transmission, 2.0 16v CD with automatic transmission, and a 2.0 CDX trim (also automatic). Only the saloon body style was offered. In 2002, local production of the Opel Vectra ceased in favour of the Corsa saloon and Astra saloon.

North America

A related model sold in North America was theSaturn L-Series,introduced in 2000, but dropped from the line up in 2005. It was replaced by the 2007Saturn Aura,which was built aroundGM's Epsilon architecture,shared with the Vectra C.

South America

The release of the second generation of the Chevrolet Vectra happened at the same time that theIndyCarseries in Brazil, GM made a deal to use the Vectra as a Medical and Safety car for the race. The Vectra B came with the already available 2.0 8-valve engine with 110 PS (81 kW) on the GL and GLS versions and a national version of the previously 2.0 16 valve with 136 PS (100 kW) for the CD version.

In 1998, GM introduced a new, torquier 2.2-litre 8 valve engine with 123 PS (90 kW) for the GL and GLS, and a 16 valve version of the same with 138 PS (101 kW) and 207 N⋅m (153 lb⋅ft) for the CD version.

A facelift was done for the 2000 models, just like the European version. Production ran until 2005, when it was replaced by the new generation Vectra, based on theOpel Astra HSedan. The Vectra was only offered in a 4-door saloon body in both generations (A & B).

• 
  Vauxhall Vectra (United Kingdom)
• 
  Holden Vectra (Australia and New Zealand)
• 
  Chevrolet Vectra (South America)

Vectra C (2002–2010)

Vectra C
Pre-facelift
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra
Production	March 2002 – June 2010
Assembly	Egypt:6th of October City(GME) England:Ellesmere Port Germany:Rüsselsheim Ukraine:Zaporizhzhia(AvtoZAZ)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-doornotchbacksaloon 5-doorhatchback 5-doorestate
Platform	Epsilon platform
Related	Opel Signum Saab 9-3
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.6 LFamily 1I4 1.8 LFamily 1I4 2.0 LEcotecturboI4 2.2 LEcotecI4 2.8 LHigh FeatureturboV6 3.2 LEllesmereV6 Diesel: 1.9 L I4CDTI 2.0 L I4 DTI 2.2 L I4 DTI 3.0 L V6CDTI
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual 5-speed manual 5-speedEasytronic automated manual CVTronic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in) (saloon/hatch) 2,830 mm (111.4 in) (estate)
Length	4,596 mm (180.9 in) (saloon/hatch, pre-facelift) 4,611 mm (181.5 in) (saloon/hatch, post-facelift) 4,822 mm (189.8 in) (estate, pre-facelift) 4,839 mm (190.5 in) (estate, post-facelift) "OPC" versions 31 mm (1.2 in) longer
Width	1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height	1,460 mm (57.5 in) (saloon/hatch) 1,500 mm (59.1 in) (estate)
Curb weight	1,393 kg (3,071 lb)

Pre-facelift

Saloon

Hatchback (Holden Vectra)

Estate

Built on the newGM Epsilon platform,theOpel Vectra C,released in March 2002 for the 2003 model year was initially available as a four-doornotchbacksaloonand a five-doorhatchback,known as the GTS.A five-doorestatewas added in October 2003.The Vectra C's official debut was at the2002 Geneva Motor Show.

Originally, the Vectra C was due to début with theSaab 9-3in October 2001, at theFrankfurt Motor Show,but in July 2001, it was announced that delays had forcedGeneral Motorsto postpone the introduction.Thehatchbackversion premiered in September 2002. The four doornotchbacksaloonversion of the Vectra C almost resembled atwo-boxfour doorfastbacksaloon.While the earlier Cavalier and Vectras had been built at the company's Luton plant, the second generation Vauxhall Vectra was built at theEllesmere Portplant from the introduction. Pilot production at Ellesmere Port started in late 2001.

The Vectra C was first seen in November 1999, in a copy ofAuto Express.At theFrankfurt Motor Showin October 2003, theestateversion premièred, which had a slightly longer wheelbase than thehatchbackandsaloonversions. Sharing the 2,830 millimetres (111 in) wheelbase of theestate,an "executivehatchback"sold under theOpel/Vauxhall Signumnameplate. The Signum, which was based partly on the Vectra C, featured a completely different layout in the rear.

The engine range was substantially modified to account for the increasedcurb weightof the Vectra C. The 90 kW (121 hp) 1.8 litreFamily 1 Ecotecengine was reserved for the base model, with the main petrol engine for the Vectra C, making up the vast bulk of production, being the Ecotec 2.2 litre chain driven unit producing 108 kW (145 hp); along with a new range topping 3.2 litre54-DegreeV6,with 155 kW (208 hp).From June to July 2002,Ed Harrisstarred in adverts for the Vauxhall Vectra in the United Kingdom.Pierluigi Collinaalso starred in adverts across Europe for the Vectra, as well as the Signum, in the end of 2005.

In 2003, a 2.0 litreturbochargedEcotecengine with 129 kW (173 hp) was also notionally offered. Being a main engine for another GM brand, Saab, it was only ever sold in small numbers in the Vectra.The 2.2 litre was upgraded in 2004, with the 'Direct' name added to the model line, indicating the new high pressure direct injection update that increased power output to 115 kW (154 hp) with improved emissions.

Dieselpower, which had become important for commercial success in Europe,was provided by CDTI 1.9, 2.0 and 2.2 engines, with a top of the rangeIsuzusourced 3.0 litreDMAXV6outputting 132 kW (177 hp).

In October 2004, the four cylinder diesel engine was replaced with aFiatdesigned 1.9 litreEcotec CDTIengine capable of producing 89 kW (119 hp) in 8v form and 110 kW (148 hp) in 16v form.Handling was reported to be much better than the previous Vectra.

Facelift

Saloon

Hatchback (Vauxhall Vectra)

Estate

The Vectra C received a facelift in September 2005, with the début at theFrankfurt Motor Show,and it retained a similar line of engines. However, the power of the 3.0 diesel was increased to 137 kW (184 hp), and the petrol 3.2 litre V6 engine was replaced by an Australian built turbocharged 2.8 litreHigh FeatureV6 unit. This Saab co-developed motor could produce 170 kW (228 hp). Opel installed the twin scroll turbo engine in its Signum productline with 185 kW (248 hp) output.

The 185 kW (248 hp) version was available for the Vectra later in 2006. Opel also introduced – for the first time – anOPCversion of the Vectra, using theVXRname in the United Kingdom. These high performance variants were only available as hatchbacks and estates. In the United Kingdom the power of theHigh FeatureV6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h (155 mph).

Production of the Vectra C and Signum ended in July 2008.

Overseas markets and rebadges

Australia and New Zealand

The Vectra C was branded as theHolden VectrainAustraliaandNew Zealand.Between 1998 and 2001, Holden in Australia assembled the Vectra for export to otherRHDmarkets in the region, with a view to exporting 60 per cent of output, although this was adversely affected by the Asian economic crisis.

Locally designated theZCseries and launched in March 2003, the Vectra C was only available as a sedan and hatchback. Holden did not offer the Vectra C estate due to the presence of the Astra and later Holden Viva (Daewoo Lacetti) estates. The Vectra was dropped and replaced by the Holden Epica, a badge engineeredDaewoo Toscaearly in 2007.

Due to stockpiling of Vectras from 2005 for the market in Australasia, there was enough supply of the car for deliveries to last through to 2007. As a result, facelifted Vectra Cs were not sold in those markets.In 2008, the Vectra OPC was available with either six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission (Previous Vectra OPC had manual gearbox only). The 2.8L DOHC V6 turbo engine could generate 206 kW (276 hp).

United Kingdom

Sales of the Vectra C in the United Kingdom were not as strong as those of its predecessors. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, but the Vectra C never came higher than tenth in the country's car sales charts, though within its own market sector it held on to second place, behind theFord Mondeo.

In 2007, it finally made the Top 10 of Britain's car sales charts, being the nation's tenth most popular new car with over 50,000 sales, outselling the Ford Mondeo for the first time since 1999.Also, in January 2007, the estate variant was awardedEstate Car of the Year 2007,byWhat Car?magazine.

South America

While the Vectra C was sold inMexicoandChileas the Chevrolet Vectra, it was not marketed in Brazil, where Chevrolet opted to sell theAstra Hunder the Vectra brand from 2006 to 2011. Both local spec cars were powered by theFlexPower SOHC engineoriginally introduced in 1982 in theChevrolet Monza.

Ireland

InIreland,the Vectra C was produced until February 2010.

• 
  Vauxhall Vectra (pre-facelift, United Kingdom)
• 
  Vauxhall Vectra (facelift, United Kingdom)
• 
  Vauxhall Vectra VXR (United Kingdom)
• 
  Holden Vectra (Australia and New Zealand)
• 
  Chevrolet Vectra (pre-facelift, South America)
• 
  Chevrolet Vectra (facelift, South America)

Chevrolet Vectra D (2009–2012)

Main article:Opel Insignia A

2009 Chevrolet Vectra (Chile)

The Chevrolet Vectra D is the rebadgedOpel Insigniaavailable only in the Chilean market. It is a very rare model of Chevrolet inChile,with not many found. In June 2013, it was renamed the Opel Insignia along with a facelift, as the Chevrolet brand was being phased out in that market. In February 2017, Opel was sold to thePSA Group.

Motorsport

Opel Vectra C, built to the DTM rules

The Vectra was used in severaltouring car racingseries.

In the 1990s and the early 2000s the Vectra BSuper Touringtook part in theBritish Touring Car Championship,theAsia-Pacific Touring Car Championship,the GermanSuper Tourenwagen Cup,theAustralian Super Touring Championship,theJapanese Touring Car Championship,theItalian Superturismo Championship,theFrench Supertouring Championshipand theSwedish Touring Car Championship.

Uwe Alzenwas third in Super Tourenwagen Cup in 1997 and 1998, and second in 1999; John Henderson was runner up in the2000 Australian Super Touring Championship;John Clelandwas British Touring Car Champion in1995and finished third in 1992 and fourth in 1993 and 1994;Yvan Mullerwas sixth in the 1999 British Touring Car Championship and fourth in 2000; and Nicklas Karlsson was third in the 2002 Swedish Touring Car Championship.

BTCCVauxhall Vectra built toS2000regulations.

A prototype Vectra C was built to theBTC Touringspecifications in 2003 byTriple Eight Race Engineering,with the view to using it in the2004 BTCC,but it was never raced, despite being shown publicly at the 2004Birmingham Motor Showas the 'Vectra Diesel Concept'.

After being replaced by the Astra H in the British Touring Car Championship, the Vauxhall Vectra was introduced in 2007.Fabrizio Giovanardiwas champion in 2007 and 2008.VX Racingcompeted in the season of 2009, with three Vectras, driven by Giovanardi,Matt NealandAndrew Jordan.

The Vectra has been used as asilhouette racing car:in theStock Car Brasilin 2000 to 2003 (it was the champion for four seasons) and 2009, in the ArgentineTop Race V6since 2005 (Guillermo Ortelliwas 2005 champion), and in theDeutsche Tourenwagen Mastersin 2004 and 2005, with little success.

In 1994, a Vectra A was the officialFormula 1safety carduring the1994 San Marino Grand Prixdriven byMax Angelelliat the time and was in front ofAyrton Sennafor 5 laps before hecrashed into Tamburello on lap 7.

External links

• vauxhall.co.uk– Vauxhall UK