1996 Vauxhall Sintra Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Sintra ranges between 1655 kg to 1735 kg (approximately 3649 to 3826 pounds). This represents the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but includes necessary operating consumables like fuel and oil. The maximum weight, which accounts for the fully loaded vehicle with passengers and cargo, varies between 2345 kg and 2430 kg (about 5170 to 5357 pounds). These weight figures are important for understanding vehicle performance, braking distances, and safe loading limits.

The Vauxhall Sintra offers a practical luggage capacity of 460 liters (roughly 16.2 cubic feet) with all seats in place, providing adequate space for everyday shopping or travel bags. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity significantly increases to between 3763 and 3765 liters (about 132.9 cubic feet), making it highly versatile for transporting large items, bulky gear, or moving needs. This expandable storage capacity highlights the Sintra’s flexibility as a family minivan.

The Vauxhall Sintra is equipped with tires sized 205/65 R15 or 205/65 HR 15, mounted on 6J x 15 rims. The 15-inch rim size combined with the 205 mm width tires (about 8.1 inches) provides a balance between comfortable ride quality and handling stability. The tire profile height (65% of the width) allows for decent cushioning on road irregularities, improving passenger comfort, which is essential for a minivan designed for family use and longer trips.

The Vauxhall Sintra, with a length of 4670 mm (183.9 inches), width of 1830 mm (72.0 inches), and height of 1711 mm (67.3 inches), generally fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical residential garages have interior widths of about 2400-2700 mm (94.5-106 inches) and depths of around 5000-6000 mm (197-236 inches), making room for the Sintra with some clearance. However, owners should verify their specific garage dimensions to ensure ease of parking and door operation without tight squeezing.

The Vauxhall Sintra's length of 4670 mm and width of 1830 mm positions it in the medium to large size segment of minivans produced in the late 1990s. It offers competitive space compared with rivals, providing sufficient interior room and cargo flexibility. This size is practical for families requiring passenger comfort without being overly large, which might complicate city driving or garage parking. Its height of 1711 mm also delivers ample headroom typical of minivan designs aimed at utility.

The Vauxhall Sintra was a unique model without a direct predecessor in Vauxhall's lineup, marking the brand's entry into the minivan segment. Compared to smaller Vauxhall cars, the Sintra is notably larger and heavier, with curb weights between 1655 and 1735 kg (3649 to 3826 lbs), reflecting its purpose as a people carrier. It provided more space and weight capacity than typical Vauxhall hatchbacks or sedans, aligning with the growing family vehicle market of the late 1990s.

Compared to competitors such as the Ford Galaxy and Renault Espace from the same period, the Vauxhall Sintra holds its own in terms of size and cargo space. The Sintra's length of 4670 mm (183.9 inches) is comparable, slightly shorter or similar depending on the model year, while width and height dimensions also match closely typical European minivan standards. Cargo capacity with seats folded (up to about 3765 liters) positions it competitively for families needing large load space. However, competitors may offer more modern options or varied seating layouts.

The Vauxhall Sintra is designed to accommodate seven passengers, with three rows of seats arranged to optimize space and comfort. Its interior layout provides ample legroom and headroom thanks to its height of 1711 mm (67.3 inches), making long trips more comfortable for all occupants. The seating is flexible, allowing the rear rows to fold down and dramatically increase cargo space when needed. Such features underscore its role as a family-focused vehicle offering practical versatility.

The Vauxhall Sintra had a relatively short production run from 1997 to 1999, which was influenced by several factors including safety concerns and market reception. The model was criticized for subpar crash test results compared to rivals, which affected consumer confidence. Furthermore, the minivan segment was highly competitive in Europe, requiring significant updates and improvements for ongoing success. Vauxhall eventually discontinued the Sintra to focus on other models and segments, while learning from the Sintra's challenges in safety and design.