1992 OPEL Vectra Hatchback 1.7L TD 5MT FWD (82 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Opel, the German branch of GM, facelifted the first generation of the Vectra in 1992, four years after the model’s introduction on the European market.

The entire needed a refresh since the car-design trend had switched from the former wedged shapes to the new bio-design trend. Since the Vectra’s lineup consisted of three versions: sedan, station wagon, and hatchback, the German automaker revised the entire range.

Opel was caught off-guard when it designed the Vectra and made it more like in the mid-80s style. Meanwhile, customers started to look more for rounded shapes, and the automaker promptly answered with the facelifted version. Thus, it shaved some edges here and there, made the headlights slightly smaller, and installed corner-mounted, clear-lenses blinkers at the front. In addition, the formerly used three-slat grille received a new, body-colored surrounding. Its new wrapped-around plastic bumper received an extension downwards, forming an apron and improving the car’s aerodynamics. The hatchback looked even better thanks to its sloped rear tailgate, and it tried to mix a station wagon’s advantages with the sedan’s look.

Inside, Opel offered the Vectra with comprehensive trim options. From cloth upholstery to a leather-clad interior, cranked windows and a simple ventilation system to four power windows and mirrors, and automatic climate control. The front seats received new upholstery options, while the split-folding rear bench allowed customers to expand the trunk’s space when needed.

Underneath the hood, the hatchback didn’t get all the engines that were available for the sedan, such as the top-performer Cosworth powerplant. Yet, it still got the wide range of turbo-diesel units which were provided by Isuzu.