2002 Holden Vectra 1.9L CDTI 6MT FWD (120 HP)

Vehicle Overview

As part of the GM group, Holden had access to other platforms and vehicles made by other brands within the automotive giant, including the 2002 Holden Vectra, which was a re-badged Vauxhall Vectra.

Holden introduced the third generation of the Vectra in the same year as its brothers from Opel (for mainland Europe) and Vauxhall (for UK). Like its predecessors, the mid-size sedan was available in three bodywork versions: sedan, hatchback, and station wagon, albeit the third version wasn’t available with the Holden badge. These were built as family-friendly vehicles with a stylish exterior design and a cabin that could accommodate five occupants. The four-door sedan was also an excellent option for fleet companies since it was suitable for mid-level executives and for rental.

Along with the third generation of the Vectra, the automaker dramatically changed the car’s design language. While the previous models had a sporty look, the 2002 Holden Vectra tried to impress customers with an upscale-oriented design. Its rectangular, swept-back headlights had high and low beams on the lower side, while the turn-signal lamp was on the upper section. Between the headlamps, the automaker installed the upper grille that was integrated into the forward side of the hood. It was crossed by a chromed horizontal slat where the Holden badge took center stage. The wrapped-around plastic bumper below them was body colored and sported an air intake divided into three sections in the apron.

From its profile, the ascending waistline was the only sporty-looking element of the vehicle. A curved creased line ran along the bodywork from the front bumper to the taillights, crossing the door panels. Since it tried to look like an upscale vehicle, the 2002 Holden Vectra sedan had body-colored door mirror caps and a horizontal rubber stripe mounted on the doors’ mid-section to protect the bodywork from shopping cart scratches. However, the black handles didn’t look as premium as the automaker hoped. Furthermore, the side sills were also unpainted. At the same time, at the back, the vehicle sported a chromed horizontal slat that visually connected the lower side of the taillights, where the reversing lights were mounted.

Inside, Holden installed a flat dashboard covered in soft materials. Fronting the driver was a rounded vizor above the instrument cluster. The four-spoke steering wheel with buttons that accessed the onboard computer functions and the media framed the instrument panel that featured large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant thermometer. On the lower side of the speedometer, the automaker placed the readout for the digital odometer. Customers could opt for an onboard computer with a navigation screen placed between the rectangular vents atop the center stack. Below, the Vectra housed the stereo and the controls for the HVAC system. While the bolstered front bucket seats provided some side support, holding their occupants in place during high-speed cornering, the rear bench was flat. However, since it was a split-folding (60/40) type, it could expand the trunk space.

Under the hood, Holden installed most of the engines used by Vauxhall in Europe for the Vectra. However, it also produced an Australian-only version powered by a 3.2-liter V6. Most versions were paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed row-your-own transmission was fitted as standard for others. A five-speed automated transmission was available as well.