Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback 2005 - Present

The revamped Vectra of 2005 looks to put clear daylight between itself and its predecessor. Viewed by many as the least inspirational of the large family car stable, Vauxhall felt the need to give the Vectra a complete overhaul. It certainly needed to if it was going to compete with the Mondeo, Passat and Accord.

Starting with the suspension and handling, Vauxhall have produced a car tuned and designed for the English roads. The set up is unique to the UK, so none of the European models, including Eire will perform the same. The result is a new car that has completely different manners on the road. The Steering and suspension both feel taught and responsive, giving a real sense of interaction with the road that you're driving on. It is set up to convey the road but still retain a decent level of comfort throughout the cabin and this it achieves with aplomb.

In addition to the new road holding there are a new stable of engines all of which offer good levels of power. The pick of these powerplants is between the 2.8 turbo petrol and the 3.0 diesel engines, both of which are V6 units. Offering 246 and 181 bhp respectively and get in and around the 150 mph top speed, the choice is going to be down to personal preference.

The level of comfort in inside the Vectra was never an issue and inkeeping with many recent Vauxhall updates this area has been given a cursory update but nothing more. They have opted for the 'if it's not broken don't fix it' route which is eminently sensible. The car will provide an excellent motorway cruiser and still offers a comfortable, agile drive in town.

The New Vectra is probably still a hair behind the excellent Mondeo but now has it looking in the rear mirror.

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