WHEN Vauxhall tested the new Vectra the car was taken to extremes - 1.6 million kilometres across four continents from the heat of the desert to the freezing Arctic.
Nothing was spared in the pursuit of excellence, but they did miss one unique test developed by the Keenan clan.
It involves packing the car full of furniture then embarking on an RAC rally route to an auctioneers.
No we haven't been evicted. The need for space after years of hoarding had finally caught up with yours truly.
The lengths I'll go to test out new cars. 0-60mph in 7 seconds you say from the excellent 3.2 litre V6 engine. Okay, but can the Elite do these things stacked full of antiques and assorted bric-a-braque?
Under normal conditions the handling is razor sharp and the ride is smoother than Liz Hurley's lipstick - but does this apply in a cloudburst on some of the worst roads known to man?
The answer to both these questions is yes.
Certain so called experts have taken against the new Vectra, but their prejudice is based on old hatreds. The simple fact is you cannot equate the old with the new.
Change for the better has obviously been Vauxhall's creed, which is why it is puzzling that they have retained the old car's biggest bugbear.
Indicate to turn in the Vectra and I'll guarantee you'll be capable of mass murder in about three seconds flat. If the one touch indicator stalk was in Coronation Street it would be Norris - intensely irritating and not half as clever as it thinks it is.
Okay, now I've got that off my chest let's deal with the rest of the Vectra - which is really very good.
There is more space in the new car, providing more comfort for driver and passengers. It genuinely seats five adults now, including those awkward to place six-footers who always try to claim the front seat.
It also has oodles more luggage room, but more importantly it's fun to drive whereas the old Vectra was fun to park.
The steering provides the sort of control Tony Blair's spin doctors can only dream about. The handling is excellent giving the driver complete confidence and control.
Petrol engine choices consist of 1.8 and 2.2-litre four-cylinder power units and the 3.2-litre V6 that I drove. There are two-litre and 2.2-litre turbodiesels as well. Two more engines join the line-up this year - a two-litre turbo and a three-litre V6 diesel.
The car looks stylish without being overstated, while inside it is incredibly quiet. The cabin is more like a church. Even when the V6 kicks in it purrs rather than roars by the time it reaches your ears.
The new Vectra takes safety and security seriously. Six airbags - including side curtains - are standard along with anti-whiplash headrests and an up-to-the-minute braking system that allows you to stop safely in mid-corner.
All models are now much better equipped with power steering, air conditioning, traction control, anti-lock brakes, leather seats, electric front windows, electric and heated mirrors, cruise control, and CD/Radio system. Extras on my test car included a five-speed auto gear box and electric adjustable seats.
The Vectra is a serious driver's car - shame about the indicators.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Vectra Elite 3.2 V6
Price: £22,485
Mechanical: 211bhp, 3,175cc 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd automatic transmission with active select
Max speed: 154mph
0-60mph: 7secs
Combined mpg: 28.8
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 257g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yr/ 60,000miles; 6yrs anti-rust