Vauxhall Cavalier Mk III 2.5 V6 (170 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 1.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Vauxhall Cavalier:

The Vauxhall Cavalier is a large family car that was sold primarily in the United Kingdom by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995. It was based on a succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The first generation of Cavalier, launched in 1975 and produced until 1981, was Vauxhall's version of the General Motors 'U-Car' — essentially an Opel Ascona B/ Opel Manta with a few minor visual differences.
The second generation of Cavalier, launched in 1981 and produced until 1988, was launched simultaneously with the identical new generation of Opel Ascona, which was sold across the world in various guises on the GM "J-Body platform". The third and final generation of Cavalier, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995, was a rebadged Opel Vectra A with the same production span. Cavaliers for the UK market were predominantly built at Vauxhall's Luton plant, but were also built alongside their Ascona/Vectra sister models at Opel plants in Continental Europe....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Mk III Overview:

Vauxhall Cavalier (Mk III). With 227 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1245 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 233 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 V6 (170 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth and powerful V6 engine, offering refined performance and strong acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a V6, though higher than 4-cylinder models.

Best Use Case: Executive cruising, performance driving, long-distance comfort.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent reliability and durability, a hallmark of the model
  • • Spacious and practical interior, ideal for families
  • • Wide range of engine choices, from economical to high-performance
  • • Comfortable ride quality, especially on longer journeys
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain, offering great value
  • • Good handling for a family car, particularly in sportier trims

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards, predating advanced systems
  • • Entry-level engines can be very slow and uninspiring
  • • Interior design is dated and functional rather than luxurious
  • • Prone to rust in older examples, especially around wheel arches and sills
  • • Lack of modern amenities and technology compared to contemporary cars

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk III CC: 1991 - 1992).

General:
Brand:Vauxhall
Model:Cavalier
Generation:Mk III
Modification (Engine):2.5 V6 (170 Hp)
Start of production:1993
End of production:1995
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68.3 Hp/l [80mm more]
Torque:227 Nm @ 4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:C25XE More details about the engine C25XE
Engine displacement:2489
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81.6 mm
Piston Stroke:79.6 mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.8 sec
Maximum speed:233 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.3 kg/Hp, 136.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 182.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1245
Max. weight:1765
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:840 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Fuel tank capacity:61 l
Size:
Length:4432 mm [80mm more]
Width:1706 mm [Same width.]
Height:1400 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2600 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1437 mm
Rear (Back) track:1432 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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