Car Test
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R0270 | |
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September 2002 |
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| Vauxhall Vectra | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.8LS 4-door | |
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For a long time the Vectra has had to play second fiddle to the Mondeo, so for the model’s latest incarnation, Vauxhall/Opel has put a big effort into producing a contender seriously to challenge the blue oval’s blue-eyed boy, as well as the likes of Laguna, Passat and Primera.
The new body is bigger in all directions than its predecessor’s (though still shorter than the Mondeo), yet surprisingly, legroom front and rear is no better. Nothing to worry Ford there, then. That said, rear legroom is ample. In fact, it’s not cramped in the back, but neither is it exactly cosy – the seat is too firm and upright for that. Pity it doesn’t recline. Up front, the seats are equally unyielding. However, even in this ‘base’ LS model it’s unlikely that you won’t get comfortable behind the fully adjustable wheel, so numerous are the driving position permutations. Remove the (non-recessable) rear head restraints and all-round vision is very good, with manoeuvring aided by optional parking sensors front and rear; with these fitted (for an extra £375) we would give the Vectra four stars in our space and practicality table. We think the 1.8 LS shows the new Vectra in its most competitive guise. The list of features is impressive for a roomy hatchback costing well under £15,000 – many of which are expensive options on ostensibly similarly priced rivals. Six familiar engines are offered, with this 1.8 starting the ball rolling with 122bhp. Although vocal when revved hard, it’s a generally smooth and refined unit, particularly at motorway speeds, where the Mondeo is too obtrusive. The Vectra’s long-striding upper two ratios contribute to this and also aid fuel economy. The downside is that a downchange (or two) can be called for to keep up the pace; the mediocre shift quality is apparent at such times. The electro-hydraulic steering is nicely weighted (albeit with little feel), but it lacks the precision that its sportier sibling, the SRi, possesses. Furthermore, the new model’s road manners still fall short of the high standards set by Mondeo. Bridgestone tyres may contribute to an abrupt 'over-inflated’ feel over sharp-edged road faults, but on a cross-country route where bends and bumps abound, the new Vectra simply feels an improvement over the old one – which is good, but not good enough. The big boot is a sensible boxy shape whose length can be extended by lowering the 60/40 divided rear backrests without having to remove the three rear head restraints. The seatbacks don’t lie completely flat, though. There’s a ski-flap, too, and for even longer loads (carpet, for example), the front passenger’s backrest folds flat. |
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