THIS IS OUR "SECOND DRIVE" OF THE VECTRA - see R0215, which concentrated on the diesel saloon. This time we drove the 1.8LS "base" version and the one-up Elegance with the 2.2 litre engine - both petrol powered, both hatchbacks. We also sampled them back home in the rural Heart of England, on a typically cross-country route. This proved very instructive.
The 1.8 and 2.2 LS versions show off the new Vectra in its most competitive guise, in terms of value-for-money. The list of notable features (shown opposite) is extremely impressive for a roomy hatchback costing around £15,000 - many are expensive options on ostensibly, similarly priced rivals. What's more, they tend to work well, once you've got the hang of them, although daily renters who don't read the handbook could be less impressed. The cruise control, indicator stalk (with its three-pulse lane-change function) and rain-sensing wipers all fit into this category.
Furthermore, the interior fittings and seats are all extremely supportive and well angled, in a Teutonically firm sort of way; front seat legroom adjustment, for the very short as well as the lanky, is exceptional. The latter get better headroom, too, in the LS, without a sunroof. The hatchback loses no space or comfort to the saloon and costs no more.
The trouble is that the new Vectra's road manners still fall short of the high standard of its now-established rivals - notably the Mondeo. A typical cross-country route, where the bends and bumps are the rule rather than the exception, makes the new Vectra feel simply an improvement on the old one - which just isn't good enough. There's still too much steering imprecision (though the assistance is well judged) and the damping continues to feel unsure and allows some lateral rocking at times. Bridgestone tyres may contribute towards an over-inflated abruptness over sharp-edged road faults as well.
However, these engines both make amends by offering smooth and refined progress - particularly at motorway speeds (where the Mondeo tends to be too vocal). The Vectra 2.2's balancer shafts keep it exceptionally smooth when ambling, but it isn't in the same league as its diesel counterpart if you're looking for lusty low-speed acceleration. Both 1.8 and 2.2 need a gearchange to keep up the pace - but the shift quality is mediocre.
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AT A GLANCE
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considering size, price and rivals
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Controls/displays
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Handling/steering
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Comfort
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Space/practicality
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LIKES ...
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- dual cushion-height adjusters
- double door seals
- lower sills/flanks plastic covered
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and GRIPES
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- prominent road rumble at times
- "space-saver" spare wheel
- prominent rear centre hump
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VERDICT
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The new Vectra has a lot going for it in this LS petrol-powered guise. Buyers writing their own cheques shouldn't be lured by the cosmetic attractiveness of the Elegance - you don't get enough for the extra. And cosmetics can't disguise the Vectra's flurried response to more demanding driving. No, keep it cheap and the Vectra will keep you cheerful.
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Car Test
