IT'S perhaps apt that of all the 21 different versions of the new Vectra, the sporting flagship GSi is the one with which Vauxhall's Merseyside plant can be most proud.
All hatchback versions of the Vectra are built at the Cheshire factory, following a £200m investment, but the GSi is the only one that also has its engine produced there.
And some unit it is too. A brutally powerful 3.2 litre V6, it produces 208bhp of punch and 300Nm of accessible torque.
No surprise then that it's also the biggest engine ever fitted into a Vectra model in the UK.
Less than a year has passed since the latest Vectra range hit the showrooms, to deserved acclaim. So Vauxhall wasted little time in following up with a pair of sports models - the already popular SRi and range-topping GSi.
The latter is a magnificent motor car and if, like me, you prefer understated style to in-your-face hostility, then it's ideal.
If anything, though, the designers haven't gone far enough. Deeper bumpers, honeycomb front grille, rear lip spoiler, 17-inch alloys and twin stainless steel tailpipes distinguish the GSi from other Vectras, though in truth you'd hardly notice.
Nor is there anything out of the ordinary in what is a well-equipped but bland interior - a sporty model that, visually at least, sells itself short.
Those are just about the only criticisms I can level at the GSi.
Needless to say, it's performance is savage. Even with Vauxhall's new five-speed automatic gearbox the car still records a 0-60 time of seven seconds and has top end capability of 153mph.
With both GSi and SRi being unique to this country they have been designed and built specifically for UK roads. So extensive development work was carried out on the chassis with the aim of retaining the ride quality and refinement of the mainstream models while providing a firmer, more sporting drive and quicker steering response.
The result is a superb motorway car that cruises smoothly and comfortably, yet unleashes its pent-up aggression when the "heavy manners" are applied.
High speed stability is first class, roadholding excellent and steering feedback nicely positive.
On the safety front, the GSi is also fitted with the latest generation electronic stability programme, along with anti-lock brakes and six airbags.
As with all latest generation Vectras, the GSi is of solid build quality and offers outstanding interior space, while the hatch lifts high with a low lip for ease of loading into a vast boot.
Standard GSi kit is extensive and includes electric everything, CD player, xenon headlamps and rain sensors.
FAST FACTS
Vauxhall Vectra GSi
Price: £20,980
Mechanical: 208bhp, 3.2i V6 24-valve petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 153mph
0-60mph: 7.0 secs
Combined mpg: 26.4
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 257g/km
BiK rating: 30%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 10yrs anti-rust