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Vauxhall Cavalier Mk III CC 1.8 (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 CC Overview:
Vauxhall Cavalier (Mk III CC). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1075 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.5 s). The top speed reaches 183 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A good all-rounder, providing sufficient power for most driving needs without being overly sporty or sluggish.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for its engine size, offering a balanced choice for everyday use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to powerful V6 and 16V petrols
- • Spacious and practical interior, especially the hatchback (CC) variant
- • Comfortable ride quality, well-suited for long journeys
- • Generally robust and reliable, with many examples still on the road
- • Excellent value for money on the used car market
Cons:
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered by modern standards
- • Interior design is dated and lacks modern amenities
- • Some models prone to rust, particularly around wheel arches and sills
- • Handling, while safe, is not as sharp as some contemporary rivals
- • Lack of modern safety features compared to newer vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Mk II: 1987 - 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Vauxhall |
| Model: | Cavalier |
| Generation: | Mk III CC |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 50.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 18SV More details about the engine 18SV |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 183 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.9 kg/Hp, 83.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 134.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1075 |
| Max. weight: | 1610 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1290 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 61 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4352 mm mm |
| Width: | 1706 mm mm |
| Height: | 1400 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2600 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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