The new wagon is one of the largest offered in the D-segment, with a cargo volume more than twice that of the Accord Tourer (up to 1850 liters VDA standard) and a load length of nearly two meters. Sharing the long wheelbase of the Signum, the new wagon can carry as much cargo as the Omega, while offering considerably more space in the rear for knee room (94 mm / 3.7") and legroom (967 mm / 38.1"). The Vectra Caravan's spaciousness, wide range of engines, including powerful 3.0 L common-rail diesel and 3.2 L gasoline V6s mated to a new 6-speed manual, and a range of premium options combine to position the new Vectra at the top of its class.
D-Segment Wagons wheelbase length width height Nissan Primera (P12) 2680/105.5 4675/184.1 1760/69.3 1450/57.1 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon 2670/105.1 4680/184.3 1730/68.1 1470/57.9 Volkswagen Passat Variant 2703/106.4 4682/184.3 1746/68.7 1498/59.0 Mazda 6 Sport Wagon 2675/105.3 4690/184.6 1780/70.1 1450/57.1 Renault Laguna Sport Tourer 2748/108.2 4695/184.8 1745/68.7 1443/56.8 Toyota Avensis 2700/106.3 4700/185.0 1760/69.3 1525/60.0 Honda Accord Tourer 2720/107.1 4750/187.0 1760/69.3 1470/57.9 Ford Mondeo 2754/108.4 4804/189.1 1812/71.3 1481/58.3 Opel Vectra Caravan 2830/111.4 4820/189.8 1790/70.8 1500/59.1
Innovative safety and comfort features shared with the Signum include the high-tech Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamp system and the ergonomically certified, climate controlled Multi-Contour driver's seat. The Travel Assistant module, first seen in the Signum, is also available as an option in the Caravan. It is placed between the two outer rear seats and includes two folding tables, a cooler, trash can, cup-holders, two 12-volt power outlets, and a holder for a portable DVD player, as well as a "Twin Audio" module for separate audio programs (radio or CD) in the front and rear. The three-seat rear bench split-folds 60:40 and has an integrated load through hatch. For anyone wishing to transport loads with a length of more than two meters, a folding front passenger seat is also available.
A highlight of the new Vectra Caravan is the FlexOrganizer system, which permits easy, secure and clearly arranged storage options in the load compartment. The core elements are the two rails built into the rear side panels. Using these rails the user can attach a flexible system of nets and foldable dividers, allowing separate cargo spaces, depending on individual needs. As an option the floor of the cargo compartment can be covered with a foldable, double-sided carpet. One side has a velour surface, while the other is made of an easily cleaned rubber lining. The carpet covers the entire loading area including the folded down backrests of the rear seats. The cargo space is protected from prying eyes by a standard removable roll-cover, which completely covers the load compartment at the same height as the lower edge of the window. There are also integrated storage containers, one in the rear of the trunk and two in the rear sidewalls, which offer added privacy.
The new Vectra Caravan joins the Accord Tourer in offering the option of an electronically operated tailgate with remote control. This version of the tailgate can be opened with the push of a button on the car key or from inside the cabin, and can be stopped midway or at any height and locked into position (no more tie-downs!!). To close it simply push the button on the key or a button conveniently located on the the tailgate. In order to prevent scratches when loading cargo, the top of the rear bumper comes with a special protective cover.
The foldaway trailer hitch is a practical and elegant option. Located out of sight under the rear bumper, the hitch can be unlocked by releasing a lever in the trunk and then moved by foot into position and locked into place. When it is no longer needed it can be folded away again, simply by unlocking it and moving back into its original out-of-sight position by foot, until it is needed again.
The range of engines available with the Opel Vectra Caravan at the start of sales includes four gasoline and three turbo-diesel units. They include three newly developed aluminum engines introduced to Opel with the Signum: the 2.2 liter gasoline direct injection unit with 114 kW (155 PS), Saab's 129 kW (175 PS) 2.0 turbo and the Isuzu 6DE1 3.0 liter V6 turbo-diesel CDTI with 130 kW (177 PS). The top engine for the Vectra Caravan is the powerful 155 kW (211 PS) 3.2 V6 ECOTEC.
The driving comfort and dynamics of the new Vectra Caravan benefit from its long wheelbase and the Interactive Driving System (IDS) with ESPPlus, the latest generation electronic stability program with selective brake intervention at up to three wheels. For a high level of passive safety the Vectra station wagon features an extremely stable passenger cell, front and side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags and three-point safety belts for all seats. The new Vectra Caravan also comes with Opel's patented Pedal Release System, active head restraints on the front seats, two height-adjustable head restraints for the rear seats, and two Isofix child seat mounts for the rear outer seats.