1997 Vauxhall Arena Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Arena from 1997 to 2000 has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). This wheelbase strikes a balance by providing enough length between the front and rear axles to offer adequate legroom for passengers, as well as contributing to ride stability and comfort. In minivans, a longer wheelbase often improves seating space and driving smoothness, and the Arena’s setup reflects its design priority for a family-friendly cabin without making the vehicle overly large.

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Arena ranges around 1,200 to 1,350 kilograms (2,646 to 2,976 pounds), depending on the trim and specifications. This relatively moderate weight for a minivan helps the vehicle maintain decent fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics, especially important for urban driving and family use. A lighter minivan typically results in better acceleration and braking responsiveness while also keeping fuel consumption reasonable compared to heavier large-size SUVs or full-size vans.

The Vauxhall Arena minivan, designed to serve small families, offers practical passenger space with seating generally configured for five passengers. Interior dimensions provide good headroom and legroom for front and rear occupants, thanks to its height and wheelbase. Cargo capacity is cautious but useful, suitable for daily shopping trips or weekend getaways. While it won't rival larger minivans or SUVs in sheer cargo volume, the rear seats can often be folded or adjusted to increase load capacity, contributing to its versatility as a multi-purpose family vehicle.

The Vauxhall Arena from 1997 to 2000 typically has a ground clearance of approximately 150 mm (5.9 inches). This clearance is adequate for most urban and suburban roads, including moderate potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces. However, like most minivans designed primarily for paved road use, it is not optimized for off-road or extremely rough terrain. This ground clearance level ensures a lower center of gravity which helps with stability and handling while maintaining passenger comfort.

Yes, the Vauxhall Arena minivan will fit into a standard garage. Its overall length of around 4.26 meters (13.98 feet) and width of 1.73 meters (5.68 feet) makes it suitable for most garages designed for typical family cars. This compact minivan does not usually exceed the clearance height of standard residential garages, which is often around 2.1 to 2.3 meters (6.9 to 7.5 feet). Thus, parking inside a standard single-car garage is generally hassle-free, an important convenience for many minivan owners.

The 1997-2000 Vauxhall Arena represented a significant update over its predecessor in both styling and size. It was slightly larger overall, offering increased length and height which translated into improved interior space and comfort for passengers. The wheelbase was effectively optimized to provide better stability and ride quality without making the vehicle too bulky for urban environments. Compared to earlier models, the Arena also had moderately refined aerodynamics and a more modern design, reflecting the late 1990s shift in minivan practicality and aesthetics.

In comparison to other minivans from the same period, the Vauxhall Arena fits well within the compact to mid-size minivan segment. While larger American minivans of the late 1990s often exceeded lengths of 4.8 to 5.2 meters (approximately 15.7 to 17 feet), the Arena’s 4.26 meters (13.98 feet) length made it easier to drive and park in European cities. Its width and height allowed for competitive interior space but with an overall smaller footprint, making it appealing to buyers looking for practicality without the bulkiness of larger minivans or SUVs.

The Vauxhall Arena was primarily offered as a five-door minivan designed to maximize practicality and passenger comfort. Seating typically catered to five passengers with two front seats and a rear bench seat, all arranged to optimize interior space utilization. Some versions offered flexible seating layouts where the rear seats could be folded or partially removed to enhance cargo capacity when needed. This versatility made the Arena a popular choice for small families requiring both passenger transport and the ability to carry moderate loads.

The Vauxhall Arena was equipped with a range of small to mid-sized petrol and diesel engines aimed at efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance. Typical engine displacements ranged from around 1.6 to 2.0 liters. The minivan's lighter weight combined with modest engine outputs resulted in decent fuel economy figures for its class and era, making it an economical choice for families concerned with running costs. Exact fuel consumption varied by engine option and transmission type but was generally competitive for compact minivans of the late 1990s.