| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1981 |
| Production Years: | 1981 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate, produced between 1981 and 1988, is a classic British station wagon offering a blend of practicality and style. This generation of the Cavalier was designed to meet the needs of families and professionals requiring ample cargo space without compromising on comfort. As a station wagon variant of the second-generation Cavalier, the Mk II Estate features a longer roofline and an extended rear cargo area, making it highly versatile for transporting goods or luggage. Although specific dimensions for the Estate version can vary, the Mk II Cavalier series generally measured approximately 4.43 meters (174.4 inches) in length, providing a spacious interior cabin. The vehicle's width and height contribute to a stable stance, ideal for daily urban driving and longer trips alike. The Estate's design includes rear doors and a large tailgate for easy loading and unloading, coupled with seating arrangements that maximize passenger space while allowing flexible cargo configurations. Under the hood, the Mk II Cavalier Estate offered various engine options typical for its time, focusing on efficiency and reliability. This vehicle holds a significant place in Vauxhall's history as a dependable family car during the 1980s. Today, it is appreciated by classic car enthusiasts and those interested in vintage British automotive design. The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate is an excellent example of early 1980s estate cars, combining practicality with the distinctive styling cues of the period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1981 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate a leader in its class
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The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate, produced from 1981 to 1988, typically measures approximately 4,450 mm (175.2 inches) in length, 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) in width, and about 1,360 mm (53.5 inches) in height. These dimensions provide a balanced station wagon profile, offering ample interior space while maintaining manageable external size for everyday use and parking.
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate offers practical luggage space typical for station wagons of its era. While specific boot volume numbers are less commonly cited for this generation, it provides flexible cargo space with rear seats that can be folded down to increase storage capacity significantly. Compared to similar estate cars from the early 1980s, it holds up well, offering enough room for family trips, groceries, or sports equipment, making it a versatile choice among mid-sized estates.
The weight of the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate typically ranges around 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,205 to 2,425 lbs), depending on trim and equipment levels. This moderate weight contributes to relatively nimble handling for an estate vehicle of its time, providing reasonable agility and responsiveness. The weight also affects fuel efficiency positively compared to heavier competitors, supporting manageable running costs and practicality for daily driving.
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate is designed primarily for urban and highway driving, featuring a standard ground clearance typical of mid-sized estates in the 1980s, usually around 140 mm (5.5 inches). This ground clearance is sufficient for everyday road conditions, smooth pavement, and light gravel or unpaved roads but is not intended for serious off-road use or very rough terrain.
The Cavalier Mk II Estate’s length of approximately 4.45 meters (175.2 inches) and width of roughly 1.69 meters (66.5 inches) generally allow it to fit into a standard UK single garage, which typically measures around 5.5 to 6 meters in length and 2.5 to 3 meters in width. However, clearance can be tight depending on garage layout and the presence of shelves or other stored items, so precise measurements and maneuvering care are advisable.
The Cavalier Mk II Estate was slightly larger than the Mk I estate version it succeeded, reflecting a trend toward more spacious and comfortable vehicles in the 1980s. The Mk II increased length and width moderately, enhancing interior space, especially for rear passengers and cargo, making it more practical for families and users requiring greater utility without significantly compromising maneuverability.
Compared to contemporaries like the Ford Sierra Estate, the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate is somewhat smaller in length but similarly sized in width and height, making it a competitive choice in the mid-sized estate segment. The Sierra often had a more aerodynamic shape and a longer body, offering slightly more cargo space, whereas the Cavalier Mk II Estate focused on practical dimensions and straightforward, functional design.
While exact interior dimension figures for legroom and headroom in the Cavalier Mk II Estate aren't widely documented, this estate version provides ample space for front passengers with generous legroom and comfortable headroom, thanks in part to its slightly elevated estate roofline. Rear passengers benefit from improved headroom and adequate legroom compared to the hatchback versions, enhancing overall comfort on longer journeys.
The curb weight of the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Estate typically ranges between 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) and 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs), depending on engine choice and trim. Its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) often sits around 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs). This balance means the vehicle is light enough for decent fuel economy and responsive handling, yet sufficiently robust to carry passengers and cargo comfortably without excessive strain on components or fuel consumption.
The Cavalier Mk II Estate introduced in 1981 featured several design and size updates over its predecessor. It embraced a more modern and aerodynamic silhouette, with increased overall length and width to improve interior space and cargo capacity. The estate roofline was squared off more prominently to maximize luggage volume and ease of loading. Improved suspension and structural refinement also enhanced ride quality and handling compared to the Mk I estate.
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