El Estado y los Partidos Polftlcos

Variety and Economy in riety and Economy in the Mid-Size Class the Mid-Size Class

Engine range extended to include powerful diesel and new V6 Engine range extended to include powerful diesel and new V6

Thanks to an unusually broad range of

Thanks to an unusually broad range of versions, individuaversions, individuality in its lity in its design and lastingdesign and lasting value for money the Opel Vectra has established itself as one of the

value for money the Opel Vectra has established itself as one of the top-selling cars ontop-selling cars on the European mid-size car market, as

the European mid-size car market, as its registration figures confirm. Customers canits registration figures confirm. Customers can choose from three body styles:

choose from three body styles: notchback, hatchback or station wagon, and also notchback, hatchback or station wagon, and also fromfrom four equipment and trim levels and

four equipment and trim levels and six different engines. To emphasize the Vectra’ssix different engines. To emphasize the Vectra’s high quality standards, Opel grants a

high quality standards, Opel grants a ten-year anti-perforatioten-year anti-perforation warranty. In n warranty. In accordanceaccordance with this model line’s high reputation for

with this model line’s high reputation for economy, the maintenance intervals are everyeconomy, the maintenance intervals are every 30,000 kilometers or once a year.

30,000 kilometers or once a year.

For the 2001 model year the engines available for this mid-size model have been For the 2001 model year the engines available for this mid-size model have been extensively revised. There are six ECOTEC units

extensively revised. There are six ECOTEC units to choose from, covering a to choose from, covering a power- power-output scale from 74 kW/100 hp to 125 kW/170 hp.

output scale from 74 kW/100 hp to 125 kW/170 hp. Common to the gasoline and dieselCommon to the gasoline and diesel engines are the

engines are the modern four-valves-per-cmodern four-valves-per-cylinder design principle and the ylinder design principle and the low fuellow fuel consumption. Together with these efficient engines, the low frontal

consumption. Together with these efficient engines, the low frontal area of only 0.56area of only 0.56 square meter helps to keep the drag coefficient down to the low figure of

square meter helps to keep the drag coefficient down to the low figure of ccDD= 0.28 for = 0.28 for  both the fastback and notchback versions of the Vectra.

both the fastback and notchback versions of the Vectra.

This mid-size model with its

This mid-size model with its clearly defined ‘body language’ conforms with Opel’sclearly defined ‘body language’ conforms with Opel’s design philosoph

design philosophy. The y. The side view is notable for side view is notable for the characteristic three-window outlinethe characteristic three-window outline;;

the outside mirrors are another striking visual feature: they form the ends of the the outside mirrors are another striking visual feature: they form the ends of the V-shaped contour of the engine hood. Substantial bumpers and a dividing line passing shaped contour of the engine hood. Substantial bumpers and a dividing line passing horizontall

horizontally above the y above the license plate are other styling elements that license plate are other styling elements that add character to theadd character to the

body, which obtains its dynamic additionally from a

body, which obtains its dynamic additionally from a wide wheel track and short wide wheel track and short bodybody overhangs. The long (2637 millimeters) wheelbase and the forward positioning of the overhangs. The long (2637 millimeters) wheelbase and the forward positioning of the windshiel

windshield have the d have the welcome effect of enlarging the car’s welcome effect of enlarging the car’s interior.interior.

Variable Load Area for All

Variable Load Area for All Three VariantsThree Variants

The Vectra’s interior matches its

The Vectra’s interior matches its exterior appearance most successfullexterior appearance most successfully. In y. In all modelsall models the A-posts are trimmed in the same light color as

the A-posts are trimmed in the same light color as the roof lining, to emphasize thethe roof lining, to emphasize the sense of space. The

sense of space. The chromed door handles are an attractive detail, and chromed door handles are an attractive detail, and high-qualhigh-qualityity upholstery materials round off the elegant effect.

upholstery materials round off the elegant effect.

The luggage space lives up to the Vectra’s reputation as a practical family car.

The luggage space lives up to the Vectra’s reputation as a practical family car.

According to the VDA standard test, the notchback body holds 500 liters and the According to the VDA standard test, the notchback body holds 500 liters and the fastback version 480 liters. Folding the asymmetrically split rear

fastback version 480 liters. Folding the asymmetrically split rear seat yields a maximumseat yields a maximum load-carryin

load-carrying capacity of g capacity of 1240 and 1180 liter respectively. The station 1240 and 1180 liter respectively. The station wagon, with awagon, with a load capacity of 460 liters if all seats are

load capacity of 460 liters if all seats are occupiedoccupied, can also be t, can also be transformed into aransformed into a competent bulk loa

competent bulk load carrier by folding the rear seats. This yields a d carrier by folding the rear seats. This yields a load areaload area measuring 1711 millimeters in length, 1083 in width and

measuring 1711 millimeters in length, 1083 in width and 856 in height, equivalent to 856 in height, equivalent to aa maximum load volume of 1490 liters.

maximum load volume of 1490 liters. The two additional storage compartments in theThe two additional storage compartments in the load-area floor are particularly practical.

load-area floor are particularly practical.

Even the basic Vectra has a long list of

Even the basic Vectra has a long list of standard features: power steeringstandard features: power steering, three head, three head restraints and lap-and-shoul

restraints and lap-and-shoulder seat belts der seat belts at the rear, at the rear, a height-adjustabla height-adjustable steeringe steering wheel, a pure air

wheel, a pure air system with pollen filter and recirculated-air mode, central locking withsystem with pollen filter and recirculated-air mode, central locking with radio remote control and an

radio remote control and an anti-theft alarm, asymmetrically split, folding rear seatanti-theft alarm, asymmetrically split, folding rear seat back, a variable-height driver’s seat, remote-control outside mirrors, heater outlets for  back, a variable-height driver’s seat, remote-control outside mirrors, heater outlets for  the rear seat area and a “Triple Info”

the rear seat area and a “Triple Info” display for temperature, date and time and an on-display for temperature, date and time and an on-board radio transmitter. The station wagon also has roof rails, a load-area cover and a board radio transmitter. The station wagon also has roof rails, a load-area cover and a safety net to

safety net to prevent loads from slipping forwards.prevent loads from slipping forwards.

The next-higher “Comfort” equipment level includes even more interesting items as The next-higher “Comfort” equipment level includes even more interesting items as standard equipmen

standard equipment: CFC-free air t: CFC-free air conditioniconditioning, a ng, a center front armrest with center front armrest with integral cupintegral cup holder and oddments compartment, electrically heated remote-control outside mirrors holder and oddments compartment, electrically heated remote-control outside mirrors

and electric front windows. There is an even higher form of luxury available for the and electric front windows. There is an even higher form of luxury available for the Vectra as well: the “Elegance” version with leather-covered steering wheel including Vectra as well: the “Elegance” version with leather-covered steering wheel including remote radio controls, foglamps and a

remote radio controls, foglamps and a CCR 600 radio with cassette player. There CCR 600 radio with cassette player. There areare alternative audio equipmen

alternative audio equipment offers t offers for all Vectras: other for all Vectras: other radios with cassette player, for radios with cassette player, for  instance, or the NCDR 1115 combined radio and

instance, or the NCDR 1115 combined radio and navigation system with four-CDnavigation system with four-CD changer. The NCDC 1500 not only

changer. The NCDC 1500 not only combines radio and navigation functions but also ancombines radio and navigation functions but also an integral car telephone with hands-free operation; it is also

integral car telephone with hands-free operation; it is also availablavailable for e for the Vectra as the Vectra as anan optional extra. 16-inch alloy wheels with size 205

optional extra. 16-inch alloy wheels with size 205 tires, an in-car computer and tires, an in-car computer and CheckCheck Control system, automatic air conditioning with a Solar-Protect windshield, electric rear  Control system, automatic air conditioning with a Solar-Protect windshield, electric rear  window lifts and cruise control round off

window lifts and cruise control round off the extensive list of the extensive list of “Elegance” equipme“Elegance” equipment.nt.

Special Equipment Packages and Broad Range of Extras Special Equipment Packages and Broad Range of Extras

The Vectra “Sport” has

The Vectra “Sport” has a character all its a character all its own. Highlights include the honeycomb-own. Highlights include the honeycomb-structure air inlets and radiator grille,

structure air inlets and radiator grille, the bumpers with integrated foglamps at the the bumpers with integrated foglamps at the frontfront and the sports-style exhaust tailpipes. Inside the

and the sports-style exhaust tailpipes. Inside the car, notable features are the car, notable features are the sportsport seats, the three-spoke sport steering wheel and

seats, the three-spoke sport steering wheel and the titanium-color inserts on thethe titanium-color inserts on the instrument panel, center console and gear shift.

instrument panel, center console and gear shift. 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/45 R 1717-inch alloy wheels and 215/45 R 17 tires round off the Vectra “Sport” package.

tires round off the Vectra “Sport” package.

In the cold season of the year

In the cold season of the year in particular, the “Winter” package is a welcome choice.in particular, the “Winter” package is a welcome choice.

It includes front seat

It includes front seat heating and high-pressure headlaheating and high-pressure headlamp cleaning. For the mp cleaning. For the stationstation wagon with 1.8-liter engine or larger, there is a “Trail” package with detachable trailer  wagon with 1.8-liter engine or larger, there is a “Trail” package with detachable trailer  tow hitch, cruise control and

tow hitch, cruise control and automatic self-leveliautomatic self-leveling suspension. Vectra buyers alsong suspension. Vectra buyers also have a lengthy list of optional extras to choose from. The

have a lengthy list of optional extras to choose from. The “Parkpilot”, for instance,“Parkpilot”, for instance, makes it easier to reverse into parking spaces. In the hot

makes it easier to reverse into parking spaces. In the hot months of the year, the novelmonths of the year, the novel

“Solar-Protect” windsh

“Solar-Protect” windshield lowers the temperature inside the ield lowers the temperature inside the car. Between twocar. Between two laminated safety glass layers it has

laminated safety glass layers it has a very thin, a very thin, multi-layer interference foil with silver multi-layer interference foil with silver  as its base

as its base material. This reflective layer is particularly effective at material. This reflective layer is particularly effective at the invisible infraredthe invisible infrared waveleng

wavelengths and reduced tths and reduced the heat penetrating the car he heat penetrating the car by 50 percent.by 50 percent.

Instead of the

Instead of the standard H7-bulb halogestandard H7-bulb halogen headlamps with clear-glass lenses, alln headlamps with clear-glass lenses, all versions of Opel’s successful mid-size model (except the

versions of Opel’s successful mid-size model (except the basic version) can bebasic version) can be

supplied with xenon headlamps. These are standard with the higher-level “Elegance”

supplied with xenon headlamps. These are standard with the higher-level “Elegance”

and “sport” equipment packages. The Vectra with xenon

and “sport” equipment packages. The Vectra with xenon headlamps is also suppliedheadlamps is also supplied with dynamic beam angle adjustment and high-pressure headlamp cleaning.

with dynamic beam angle adjustment and high-pressure headlamp cleaning.

The Vectra sets the standards in its class f

The Vectra sets the standards in its class f or active and passive safety. The patentedor active and passive safety. The patented Pedal Release System, for example, detaches the pedal

Pedal Release System, for example, detaches the pedal assembly from its mount inassembly from its mount in the footwell in the event of a

the footwell in the event of a frontal impact, to reduce the risk of the frontal impact, to reduce the risk of the driver sufferingdriver suffering lower leg or foot injuries. The Active Head Restraints on the front seat minimize the lower leg or foot injuries. The Active Head Restraints on the front seat minimize the

“whiplash

“whiplash” effect ” effect when the head is when the head is forced back by a forced back by a rear-end impact. Opel’s all-roundrear-end impact. Opel’s all-round protection system for the

protection system for the Vectra also includes full-size hybrid-princiVectra also includes full-size hybrid-principle front airbags,ple front airbags, side airbags integrated into the front

side airbags integrated into the front seats, pyrotechnic-action seat belt tensioners,seats, pyrotechnic-action seat belt tensioners, variable-hei

variable-height front and ght front and rear upper belt anchorages, anti-submarining ramps in therear upper belt anchorages, anti-submarining ramps in the seats and twin-tube reinforcements in the doors

seats and twin-tube reinforcements in the doors for side-intrusion protection. As anfor side-intrusion protection. As an optional extra the modular-design Opel Fix child’s seat system

optional extra the modular-design Opel Fix child’s seat system can be ordered; itcan be ordered; it provides its young occupants – from

provides its young occupants – from babies to twelve-year-olds – with full babies to twelve-year-olds – with full protection.protection.

Economical Engines with Plenty of Torque Economical Engines with Plenty of Torque

Opel is offering Vectra customers a choice of six ECOTEC 16-valve engines – four  Opel is offering Vectra customers a choice of six ECOTEC 16-valve engines – four  gasoline units and two direct-injection turbodiesel

gasoline units and two direct-injection turbodiesels. Thanks ts. Thanks to this combination of directo this combination of direct injection with four valves per cylinder and

injection with four valves per cylinder and a charge-air intercooler, the 2.0 DTIa charge-air intercooler, the 2.0 DTI

(74 kW/100 hp) consumes only 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (MVEG standard (74 kW/100 hp) consumes only 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (MVEG standard test).For even more power there is the Vectra 2.2 DTI,

test).For even more power there is the Vectra 2.2 DTI, with a peak torque of 280 Nm.with a peak torque of 280 Nm.

This dynamic diesel (output 92 kW/125 hp) has a top speed of 207 km/h This dynamic diesel (output 92 kW/125 hp) has a top speed of 207 km/h andand accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in

accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, yet its standard-te10.5 seconds, yet its standard-test fuel consumptionst fuel consumption is a mere 6.5 liters per

is a mere 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. All Vectras with diesel engine compl100 kilometers. All Vectras with diesel engine comply with they with the Euro 3 exhaust emission limits.

Euro 3 exhaust emission limits.

The gasoline engines too, with fuel

The gasoline engines too, with fuel consumption figures between 7.1 and 10.5 liters per consumption figures between 7.1 and 10.5 liters per  100 kilometers, are among the most

100 kilometers, are among the most economicaeconomical in l in their class. The entry-level choice istheir class. The entry-level choice is the Vectra 1.6, rated at 74

the Vectra 1.6, rated at 74 kW/100 hp, above which is the 1.8 liter four-cylinder 92kW/100 hp, above which is the 1.8 liter four-cylinder 92 kW/125 hp unit. New to the Vectra program in the

kW/125 hp unit. New to the Vectra program in the fall of 2000: the two top gasolinefall of 2000: the two top gasoline engines. Thanks to two

engines. Thanks to two balance shafts, the 2.2-liter all-aluminum four-cylindbalance shafts, the 2.2-liter all-aluminum four-cylinder uniter unit

(108 kW/147 hp) is one, the 2.6-liter V6 the

(108 kW/147 hp) is one, the 2.6-liter V6 the other. This develops 125 kW/170 hp andother. This develops 125 kW/170 hp and accelerates Opel’s magnificen

accelerates Opel’s magnificent mid-size model to t mid-size model to a top speed of a top speed of 230 km/h if 230 km/h if needed.needed.

The Vectra 2.2

The Vectra 2.2 even complies with the Euro 4 even complies with the Euro 4 exhaust emission legislatiexhaust emission legislation that doeson that does not come into force until 2005.

not come into force until 2005.

Standard equipment with all engines is a

Standard equipment with all engines is a five-speed manual-shfive-speed manual-shift gearbox. In ift gearbox. In thethe Vectra 2.2 and 2.6 V6 and in

Vectra 2.2 and 2.6 V6 and in the diesel models, a wire-cable gear shift ensuresthe diesel models, a wire-cable gear shift ensures additional refinemen

additional refinement. All t. All gasoline enginegasoline engines can s can be combined with a four-speedbe combined with a four-speed automatic transmission

automatic transmission, which has , which has three driving programs, as an optional extra. three driving programs, as an optional extra. In theIn the 1.8, 2.2 and 2.6 V6 cars

1.8, 2.2 and 2.6 V6 cars this transmission selects neutral automatithis transmission selects neutral automatically when the car cally when the car  comes to a halt with the

comes to a halt with the brakes appliedbrakes applied, for , for instance at traffic signals. When the brakesinstance at traffic signals. When the brakes are released, the automatic transmission re-engages the previous gear. This alone are released, the automatic transmission re-engages the previous gear. This alone saves about three percent of

saves about three percent of the fuel normally consumed, particularly in urban areas.the fuel normally consumed, particularly in urban areas.

Advanced Multi-Link Rear Suspension with Precise Wheel Location Advanced Multi-Link Rear Suspension with Precise Wheel Location

The Vectra’s DSA (Dynamic Safety) suspension satisfies the most stringent active The Vectra’s DSA (Dynamic Safety) suspension satisfies the most stringent active safety requirements. In doing so, it never forgets that driving should be fun and the

The Vectra’s DSA (Dynamic Safety) suspension satisfies the most stringent active The Vectra’s DSA (Dynamic Safety) suspension satisfies the most stringent active safety requirements. In doing so, it never forgets that driving should be fun and the

In document ABRIR CAPÍTULO II (página 156-190)