What they said when the Vauxhall Vectra was new… (Jun 23 2003)
THE capture of several awards is testimony in itself to the advances made with the new-generation Vectra.
A very ordinary car which did most of its business in fleets has been transformed into one with much wider appeal and, indeed, it has taken the Family Car of the Year title in a leading motor magazine.
Pretty good when you consider that the likes of the Mondeo feature in the same upper medium segment.
Apart from the new chassis, Vauxhall has thrown a lot of technology, comfort and safety features into the new Vectra.
It is noticeably bigger than the outgoing version, the extra 60mm of wheelbase alone doing wonders for cabin space. A width of nearly 1.8m also ensures room for broad shoulders.
This adult-friendly nature is furthered by the body design, the sweeping domed roof and big doors providing good head room and easy access.
Internal decor and upholstery has been improved, with soft-touch plastics used in the reshaped dash and I liked the granite-effect trim of the fascia strips and centre console in the base trim - it gets even posher as you move up the range.
Even at this LS level, though, equipment levels are generous and enticing. For as little as £14,880 (for the 1.8i LS) you get air conditioning, front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control, automatic wipers, radio/CD player with steering wheel controls, front electric windows and heated door mirrors.
For the driver's comfort there's an eight-way adjustable seat, reach and rake variation of the steering column and electro-hydraulic power steering for effortless handling.
But the star turn of the cabin is its executive-class quietness, with superb engine muffling and minimal road and wind noise. Coming across roadworks we could see the drill hammering away but didn't hear it until we were almost alongside.
On motorways and good-quality A-roads the ride is creamy smooth, thanks to the very soft new suspension set-up. But get on to undulating surfaces and the car can take on the personality of a trampoline.
However, the revised suspension, four-link independent at the rear, does send the car weaving happily through bends, adhering well to a tight line.
Cornering brake control is among the standard technology, along with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, while all Vectras, apart from 1.8s, have traction control.
There's also a sophisticated 30-sensor monitoring system for a whole range of functions.
Not all the gadgets are good news, however. The silly indicators system can still defeat me, and this is the third time I've taken it on. Okay, Vauxhall, I'm getting better at it, but it still has to go.
The test car was armed with an all-aluminium 147bhp 2.2-litre 16-valve engine, and a happy unit it proved to be. There was nice power availability for such exercises as overtaking and only moderate use of the five-speed manual gearbox was required and then it was a pleasant, easy shift.
CO2 emissions are a little high, topping 200g/km, but, as with all the new Vectra units, it meets Euro IV standards. Fuel economy with the 2.2 is modest, just over 42mpg on the open road, the car's natural home. That's where the soft ride and the quiet and comfort of the cabin will repay you.
Front storage space is fair, while at the back you get a centre-armrest tray, a power point, seatback pockets, neat pop-out drinks holders and ventilation/heating outlets, a package that should keep the kids happy.
Finally. there's a very good boot indeed, and a split/folding rear seats mean stlll more room is available for serious load-carriers.
Fleet operators will continue to love it, but expect to see a lot more private buyers attracted by the new-found accomplishments of the latest Vectra. The car is available as a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon; an estate version is due in the autumn.
Words: John Scantlebury
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