michaelgeorge
25-07-2007, 12:42 PM
What's Good
All new Vectra, code name J3200, on SAAB/GM Epsilon platform with more chunky styling and 12 year body warranty arrived in 2002. Particularly different styling for estate models. Bigger than first Vectra, with 60mm longer wheelbase and 50mm wider track. Massive front seat room for biggest and tallest of drivers. Engines are chain-cam ECOTEC units developing 122bhp to 145bhp on petrol and 99bhp to 123bhp on diesel. Also a 3.2litre 208bhp V6. Most petrol engines complied with the Euro 4 emission limits from start. All new Vectras fitted with improved active head restraints on the front seats; full-size curtain airbags; three-point belts for all seats; Vauxhall’s patented pedal release system; electronically-controlled ABS with cornering brake control and brake assist. Optional enhanced electronic stability programme called ESP Plus. Five-speed manual gearboxes and all-new five-speed automatic gearbox offering sequential gear changes. Torsional stiffness is up 74 per cent on previous Vectra. All new Vectras have a new 'IDS' chassis system featuring new multi-link rear axle, aluminium components for lower unsprung weight and electro-hydraulic power steering bringing significant improvements in ride and handling which were major bugbears of the previous Vectra. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard throughout. Passive safety measures include front, side and curtain airbags, breakaway pedal box and active head restraints developed by GM's SAAB division. £200 million has been invested in GM's Ellesmere Port production plant where most UK RHD Vectras are built under GM's 'flex' facility system. The other Vectra plant is Russelsheim in Germany. General consensus of opinion between 'Autocar' and 'Auto Express' is that car has excellent ride quality but, while handling is a huge improvement on the old Vectra, it is still not quite up to Mondeo standards. Dimensions are: length 4,596 mm (15 ft 1in); width 1,798mm (5ft 11in); height: 1,460mm (4ft 9.5in). Luggage volume of 4-door is 550 litres. Two petrol and two diesel engines available at launch, all four cylinder. 3.2 litre V6 will follow. 1,796cc belt-driven twin-cam petrol developing 90kW (122ps) at 6,000rpm with 170Nm (125 lb ft) torque at 3,800rpm. 0-60 is quoted at 10.9 seconds, top speed 127mph, Euro combined mpg 36.7 and CO2 emissions 184g/km (£140pa VED). This engine meets Euro 4 emissions limits. 2,198cc chain-driven twin-cam petrol developing 108kW (147ps) at 5,600rpm with 203Nm (150 lb ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. 0-60 of the manual is quoted at 9.9 seconds, top speed 135mph, Euro combined mpg 32.8 and CO2 emissions 206g/km (£155pa VED). This engine meets Euro 4 emissions limits. (Automatic 0-60 10.5 seconds, top speed 131mph, Euro combined mpg 30.1 and CO2 emissions 226g/km (£155pa VED).) 1,994cc chain-driven twin-cam diesel developing 74kW (100ps) at 4,000rpm with 230Nm (170 lb ft) torque at 1,500 rpm. 0-60 is quoted at 12.7 seconds, top speed 120mph, Euro combined mpg 47.9 and CO2 emissions 159g/km (£130pa VED). This engine meets Euro 3 emissions limits. 2,171cc chain-driven twin-cam diesel developing 92kW (125ps) at 4,000rpm with 280Nm (207 lb ft) torque at 1,500 rpm. 0-60 of the manual is quoted at 10.5 seconds, top speed 129mph, Euro combined mpg 43.5 and CO2 emissions 176g/km (£150pa VED). This engine meets Euro 3 emissions limits. (Automatic 0-60 11.5 seconds, top speed 126mph, Euro combined mpg 38.2 and CO2 emissions 200g/km (£160pa VED).) Brief details of the V6 are:- 3,175cc, 208bhp, 300Nm torque, 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, top speed 154mph. CO2 emissions: 243g/km (manual); 257g/km (automatic). Arrived March/April 2003: 176bhp V6 diesel with 258 lb ft torque at 1,800rpm, top speed 135mph, 0-60 8.5 seconds, combined consumption 40mpg
- The headlights always come on dipped when switched on - even if they were on main beam when last turned off.
- The left had stalk is pushed for main beam but can be then pushed or
pulled towards you to dip the headlights. No possible confusion if changing
from a UK style or Japanese style set up.
- Clever rear view mirror that automatically dims at night.
- The car has much more interior space than the previous model. It feels
much bigger than the extra couple of inches in width.
- Fuel consumption looks like approx 47/48 mpg overall
- Cruise control - very handy in areas with speed cameras!
Vauxhall New Vectra 2002 - 2005 had a very convenient left to right dip switch behind each headlight - great for quayside conversion.
New SAAB developed 2.0 litre chain-cam turbo with 175bhp and 265Nm torque from Summer 2003. 0-60 8.1 seconds; 31.7mpg combines and 214g/km CO2. Estate car added to range in autumn 2003. Offers cargo volume up to 1,850 litres. Engine range includes 155bhp 2.2 litre chain cam direct injected petrol engine, 175bhp 2.0 litre chain cam turbo, 177bhp 3.0 V6 CDTi diesel and 211bhp 3.2V6 petrol. Length 4,820mm; width 1,790mm; height 1,500mm. Estate options include power tailgate and fully retractable towhook
Improvements for 2005 include 'Life' model which replaces LS. 6 speed autobox available with 150bhp 1.9CDTI SRi Navigation comes with satnav for £500 more than standard SRI. 150bhp 6 speed manual very quick and satisfying to drive..
Major facelift for 2005/2006 on sale from 1-10-2005. 255PS VXR replaces GSi. New 230PS 2.8 V6 turbo petrol engine replaces 3.2V6. VXR with this engine capable of 161mph and 0-60 in 6.6 seconds,
2007 model year versions of the Vectra VXR have had the power boosted from 255PS to 280PS, thanks to a redesigned induction system, modified engine components and retuned electronic engine control software. 0-60mphdown to 6.1 seconds for the hatchback and 6.3 seconds for the estate. Chassis also tweaked to give more dynamic handling. Modified spring and shock absorber settings and correspondingly retuned IDSPlus2 chassis control software is said to optimise the pitch, roll and turn-in characteristics to make the most of the increased performance without ruining the Vectra VXR’s impressive refinement.
No perforation warranty cut back to 6 years. Trafficmaster Oracle deleted from spec. Oil consumption problems emerging on 2.2DI. Apparently, the bores were machined with too high a gloss. Running-in oil has been used to attempt a quick fix, has been known to cause other problems. Vauxhall/Opel will not accept liability because it would mean expensive repairs to most 2.0DI and 2.2DI Vauxhall/Opel models. 2.2 16v petrol engine has been known to snap its timing chain due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, possibly as a result of running on dirty oil due to extended oil change intervals. Complaints about way indicator switch operates (not really a problem once you get used to it). Quite common for DI to default to emergency running mode due to a problem with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve. Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine is prone to burning out. Poor starting and cutting out after starting of 2.2DI 16v caused by airleaks through fuel injector seals. Seems to be a problem with clutch pedal return springs (which can contribute to a burned out clutch). Estate car very optimistically list priced at from £16,045 for the 1.8LS (190g/km CO2). 2.0DTi LS estate: £16,945 (159g/km CO2); 2.2i 16v SXi estate: £17,545 (194g/km CO2); 2.0i 16v Turbo SXi estate: £17,995 (221g/km CO2); 2.2i 16v Elegance estate: £18,145 (194g/km CO2); 2.2DTi 16v Elegance estate: £18,995 (170g/km CO2); 2.0i 16v Turbo Elite estate: £21,300 (221g/km CO2); 3.2 V6 24v Elite estate: £22,350 (242g/km CO2); 3.0CDTi V6 diesel Elite estate £25,100 (197g/km CO2). It did not take long for estates to be seriously discounted. Reports of parking brake failures (so leave it in gear). Several complaints of "creaking from front suspension", later identified as loose radiator mounts. 19" wheel option with 235/25 ZR19 tyres creates a lot of harshness and tramp. Better to stick with 16" or 17". 1.9 120PS and 150PS diesels are belt cam. On the 1.9 diesels, the wiring harness can rub bare on the transmission casing causing a short circuit that blows the main fuse leaving the car completely disabled. There may be a recall or at least a tsb to check for this. Some estates have no rear passenger or load compartment lighting. Rear hatch of estate can only normally be opened by key or by a button on the driver's door, which is irritating if you need to open it frequently. LHS wiper machanism fails. Vauxhall has issued a dealer kit or improved wiper motor and linkage to fix this FOC.
Dual mass crankshaft timing chain pulleys can fail on 2.2 diesel engines.
Vauxhall Z22SE 2.2 litre engine was modified from March 2002, engine number 11065400, to overcome the timing chain lubrication problem. The problem was caused by an undersized oil spray nozzle which got blocked, starving the timing chain of oil. If the timing chain problem has been subsequently rectified, a modified `bolt' is fitted, with `nicks' on the corners of the hexagon.
On 2.2 diesel air ingress via injector seals can cause poor starting.
Tailgate switch also fails, this is common on Vectra C and Zafira B.
On 1.9CDTI timing belt drives waterpump and waterpump failure can fling it off in as little as 40k miles, wrecking the engine.
On 1.9 CDTI if the engine smokes or the car suddenly loses power, the secondary butterflies of the swirl actuator valve may have sooted up and seized. Possible to clean but this does not guarantee it won't happen again. Really requires the inlet manifold to be changed as the part where the actuator connects to jams and does not let the butterflies open. Job can take six hours as the fuel pump and cam belt have to be removed to get at it. A coincedental fault is sooting up of the EGR valve.
Clutch return spring now subject of a service check/replacement under warranty. Job takes about 30 minutes. No longer any need to replace pedal box.
All new Vectra, code name J3200, on SAAB/GM Epsilon platform with more chunky styling and 12 year body warranty arrived in 2002. Particularly different styling for estate models. Bigger than first Vectra, with 60mm longer wheelbase and 50mm wider track. Massive front seat room for biggest and tallest of drivers. Engines are chain-cam ECOTEC units developing 122bhp to 145bhp on petrol and 99bhp to 123bhp on diesel. Also a 3.2litre 208bhp V6. Most petrol engines complied with the Euro 4 emission limits from start. All new Vectras fitted with improved active head restraints on the front seats; full-size curtain airbags; three-point belts for all seats; Vauxhall’s patented pedal release system; electronically-controlled ABS with cornering brake control and brake assist. Optional enhanced electronic stability programme called ESP Plus. Five-speed manual gearboxes and all-new five-speed automatic gearbox offering sequential gear changes. Torsional stiffness is up 74 per cent on previous Vectra. All new Vectras have a new 'IDS' chassis system featuring new multi-link rear axle, aluminium components for lower unsprung weight and electro-hydraulic power steering bringing significant improvements in ride and handling which were major bugbears of the previous Vectra. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard throughout. Passive safety measures include front, side and curtain airbags, breakaway pedal box and active head restraints developed by GM's SAAB division. £200 million has been invested in GM's Ellesmere Port production plant where most UK RHD Vectras are built under GM's 'flex' facility system. The other Vectra plant is Russelsheim in Germany. General consensus of opinion between 'Autocar' and 'Auto Express' is that car has excellent ride quality but, while handling is a huge improvement on the old Vectra, it is still not quite up to Mondeo standards. Dimensions are: length 4,596 mm (15 ft 1in); width 1,798mm (5ft 11in); height: 1,460mm (4ft 9.5in). Luggage volume of 4-door is 550 litres. Two petrol and two diesel engines available at launch, all four cylinder. 3.2 litre V6 will follow. 1,796cc belt-driven twin-cam petrol developing 90kW (122ps) at 6,000rpm with 170Nm (125 lb ft) torque at 3,800rpm. 0-60 is quoted at 10.9 seconds, top speed 127mph, Euro combined mpg 36.7 and CO2 emissions 184g/km (£140pa VED). This engine meets Euro 4 emissions limits. 2,198cc chain-driven twin-cam petrol developing 108kW (147ps) at 5,600rpm with 203Nm (150 lb ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. 0-60 of the manual is quoted at 9.9 seconds, top speed 135mph, Euro combined mpg 32.8 and CO2 emissions 206g/km (£155pa VED). This engine meets Euro 4 emissions limits. (Automatic 0-60 10.5 seconds, top speed 131mph, Euro combined mpg 30.1 and CO2 emissions 226g/km (£155pa VED).) 1,994cc chain-driven twin-cam diesel developing 74kW (100ps) at 4,000rpm with 230Nm (170 lb ft) torque at 1,500 rpm. 0-60 is quoted at 12.7 seconds, top speed 120mph, Euro combined mpg 47.9 and CO2 emissions 159g/km (£130pa VED). This engine meets Euro 3 emissions limits. 2,171cc chain-driven twin-cam diesel developing 92kW (125ps) at 4,000rpm with 280Nm (207 lb ft) torque at 1,500 rpm. 0-60 of the manual is quoted at 10.5 seconds, top speed 129mph, Euro combined mpg 43.5 and CO2 emissions 176g/km (£150pa VED). This engine meets Euro 3 emissions limits. (Automatic 0-60 11.5 seconds, top speed 126mph, Euro combined mpg 38.2 and CO2 emissions 200g/km (£160pa VED).) Brief details of the V6 are:- 3,175cc, 208bhp, 300Nm torque, 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, top speed 154mph. CO2 emissions: 243g/km (manual); 257g/km (automatic). Arrived March/April 2003: 176bhp V6 diesel with 258 lb ft torque at 1,800rpm, top speed 135mph, 0-60 8.5 seconds, combined consumption 40mpg
- The headlights always come on dipped when switched on - even if they were on main beam when last turned off.
- The left had stalk is pushed for main beam but can be then pushed or
pulled towards you to dip the headlights. No possible confusion if changing
from a UK style or Japanese style set up.
- Clever rear view mirror that automatically dims at night.
- The car has much more interior space than the previous model. It feels
much bigger than the extra couple of inches in width.
- Fuel consumption looks like approx 47/48 mpg overall
- Cruise control - very handy in areas with speed cameras!
Vauxhall New Vectra 2002 - 2005 had a very convenient left to right dip switch behind each headlight - great for quayside conversion.
New SAAB developed 2.0 litre chain-cam turbo with 175bhp and 265Nm torque from Summer 2003. 0-60 8.1 seconds; 31.7mpg combines and 214g/km CO2. Estate car added to range in autumn 2003. Offers cargo volume up to 1,850 litres. Engine range includes 155bhp 2.2 litre chain cam direct injected petrol engine, 175bhp 2.0 litre chain cam turbo, 177bhp 3.0 V6 CDTi diesel and 211bhp 3.2V6 petrol. Length 4,820mm; width 1,790mm; height 1,500mm. Estate options include power tailgate and fully retractable towhook
Improvements for 2005 include 'Life' model which replaces LS. 6 speed autobox available with 150bhp 1.9CDTI SRi Navigation comes with satnav for £500 more than standard SRI. 150bhp 6 speed manual very quick and satisfying to drive..
Major facelift for 2005/2006 on sale from 1-10-2005. 255PS VXR replaces GSi. New 230PS 2.8 V6 turbo petrol engine replaces 3.2V6. VXR with this engine capable of 161mph and 0-60 in 6.6 seconds,
2007 model year versions of the Vectra VXR have had the power boosted from 255PS to 280PS, thanks to a redesigned induction system, modified engine components and retuned electronic engine control software. 0-60mphdown to 6.1 seconds for the hatchback and 6.3 seconds for the estate. Chassis also tweaked to give more dynamic handling. Modified spring and shock absorber settings and correspondingly retuned IDSPlus2 chassis control software is said to optimise the pitch, roll and turn-in characteristics to make the most of the increased performance without ruining the Vectra VXR’s impressive refinement.
No perforation warranty cut back to 6 years. Trafficmaster Oracle deleted from spec. Oil consumption problems emerging on 2.2DI. Apparently, the bores were machined with too high a gloss. Running-in oil has been used to attempt a quick fix, has been known to cause other problems. Vauxhall/Opel will not accept liability because it would mean expensive repairs to most 2.0DI and 2.2DI Vauxhall/Opel models. 2.2 16v petrol engine has been known to snap its timing chain due to the lubrication jet becoming blocked, possibly as a result of running on dirty oil due to extended oil change intervals. Complaints about way indicator switch operates (not really a problem once you get used to it). Quite common for DI to default to emergency running mode due to a problem with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve. Ignition control unit of 2.2 petrol engine is prone to burning out. Poor starting and cutting out after starting of 2.2DI 16v caused by airleaks through fuel injector seals. Seems to be a problem with clutch pedal return springs (which can contribute to a burned out clutch). Estate car very optimistically list priced at from £16,045 for the 1.8LS (190g/km CO2). 2.0DTi LS estate: £16,945 (159g/km CO2); 2.2i 16v SXi estate: £17,545 (194g/km CO2); 2.0i 16v Turbo SXi estate: £17,995 (221g/km CO2); 2.2i 16v Elegance estate: £18,145 (194g/km CO2); 2.2DTi 16v Elegance estate: £18,995 (170g/km CO2); 2.0i 16v Turbo Elite estate: £21,300 (221g/km CO2); 3.2 V6 24v Elite estate: £22,350 (242g/km CO2); 3.0CDTi V6 diesel Elite estate £25,100 (197g/km CO2). It did not take long for estates to be seriously discounted. Reports of parking brake failures (so leave it in gear). Several complaints of "creaking from front suspension", later identified as loose radiator mounts. 19" wheel option with 235/25 ZR19 tyres creates a lot of harshness and tramp. Better to stick with 16" or 17". 1.9 120PS and 150PS diesels are belt cam. On the 1.9 diesels, the wiring harness can rub bare on the transmission casing causing a short circuit that blows the main fuse leaving the car completely disabled. There may be a recall or at least a tsb to check for this. Some estates have no rear passenger or load compartment lighting. Rear hatch of estate can only normally be opened by key or by a button on the driver's door, which is irritating if you need to open it frequently. LHS wiper machanism fails. Vauxhall has issued a dealer kit or improved wiper motor and linkage to fix this FOC.
Dual mass crankshaft timing chain pulleys can fail on 2.2 diesel engines.
Vauxhall Z22SE 2.2 litre engine was modified from March 2002, engine number 11065400, to overcome the timing chain lubrication problem. The problem was caused by an undersized oil spray nozzle which got blocked, starving the timing chain of oil. If the timing chain problem has been subsequently rectified, a modified `bolt' is fitted, with `nicks' on the corners of the hexagon.
On 2.2 diesel air ingress via injector seals can cause poor starting.
Tailgate switch also fails, this is common on Vectra C and Zafira B.
On 1.9CDTI timing belt drives waterpump and waterpump failure can fling it off in as little as 40k miles, wrecking the engine.
On 1.9 CDTI if the engine smokes or the car suddenly loses power, the secondary butterflies of the swirl actuator valve may have sooted up and seized. Possible to clean but this does not guarantee it won't happen again. Really requires the inlet manifold to be changed as the part where the actuator connects to jams and does not let the butterflies open. Job can take six hours as the fuel pump and cam belt have to be removed to get at it. A coincedental fault is sooting up of the EGR valve.
Clutch return spring now subject of a service check/replacement under warranty. Job takes about 30 minutes. No longer any need to replace pedal box.