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HOLDEN Vectra Liftback Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1995
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
HOLDEN Vectra Liftback photo gallery

Holden introduced the Vectra for the Australian market in 2002. It was a badge-engineered car, similar to the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.

GM didn't bother to build the Vectra in Australia, even though the car was not completely identical to the European version. For Down Under, Holden offered specific engines such as the 3.2-liter V6, which proved to be the most reliable for the Vectra. Since most of the other versions were unsuitable for the Australian environment, the vehicle was not very successful, and it was withdrawn from the market after just three years.

The exterior featured a new design trend for its headlights, with a rectangular, swept-back look and a pair of headlamps inside. Its grille was identical to the one found on Opel or Vauxhall, with a horizontal slat and the round badge on it. Holden offered the Vectra in a few body shapes. The liftback version featured a longer rear window and, as you guessed, a liftgate.

Inside, the cabin featured front bolstered seats, made for the European wingding roads, and soft enough for long travels. In the back, the manufacturer installed a bench with a split-folding backrest, which could expand the trunk from 500 liters (17.6 cu-ft) to 1360 liters (48 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Holden offered a wide choice of engines ranged from a four-pot 1.8-liter gasoline to a 3.2-liter V6. There were a few options for diesel-powered powerplants.

full description and technical specifications
HOLDEN Vectra Liftback photo gallery

General Motors built the Vectra for more continents. It started with the European Opel Vectra and continued with the Vauxhall in the U.K. and Holden in Australia.

The Vectra nameplate was used in all the markets and all body shapes. It was available as a sedan, hatchback (liftback), and a station-wagon. GM considered that it would be better for the Australian factory to build the Holden Vectra liftback there and export it to other RHD markets in the area.

The 1995 Vectra was a major improvement over its predecessor with more rounded areas and fluid shapes. It looked like the GM partly agreed with the biodesign trend, but it didn't want to ditch it completely. A particular shape was for the door-mirrors connected to the bodywork via an aerodynamic pillar that followed the V-shaped line from the hood. Up to the B-pillar, it was the same vehicle as to the sedan version, but after the C-pillar, it featured a sloped liftgate that offered a wide opening for the trunk.

Inside, the bucket-seats at the front were mounted low on the floor to create the impression of a sporty family sedan. The concept worked well for the front passengers but left little legroom for the rear ones. GM installed the same dashboard with curved lines, with a fluid line for the instrument cluster.

Under the hood, Holden offered the Vectra B with a choice of four gasoline and a turbodiesel engine. All of them were paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. For selected versions, the Vectra was available with a four-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications