General Comments:
Stunning looks without looking boy racerish, mine's in pearlescent black and it looks awesome.
Fuel economy is amazing, on my motorway run it averages 60 mpg! Cruise control makes for a comfortable stress free journey.
Quieter than my previous Omega! Total absence of wind noise due to a smooth edgeless contour and engine cannot be heard. Infact only tyre noise and its my guess the stock goodyears could be improved on in future for better noise performance.
2.2 DTI engine not only offers wallet friendly economy, but driver satisfaction with strong torque across the rev range, excellent overtaking performance (betters the petrol version) and low revs even at motorway speeds.
As a sports model, the seats tend to be quite firm, but having driven long distances I find them supportive and comfortable.. Don't be put off with first impressions, your back will thank you for it! Total control over seat for driver makes for comfort.
Sports suspension surprisingly comfortable yet still gives great control on corners without wallow. An excellent balance between handling and comfort.
Lots of nice creature comforts, previously only seen on top exec cars. These include auto fade up and down interior lighting when unlocking the car and removing the keys after stopping, exterior number plate lamps illuminate when unlocking boot, door to door allows headlamps and reverse lamps to stay on for 30 seconds after you leave the car. Cruise control is standard, as is air con, traction control, ABS with brake assistance, corner brake control and electronic brake distribution. You also get fog lamps front and back, a rather nice computer with high resolution centre display featuring all the usual trip statistics plus check control and cd/radio display. Interior mirror electronically darkens should you be dazzled from behind, and theres a nice orange glow emitted from beneath it over the gear stick area, as found on BMW's. The brightness of this appears to be controlled automatically according to light levels.
Indicator stalk and wiper stalk can get a bit of getting use to, but once you do it seems logical and is ideal for lane changing. However I found sometimes its easy to knock on the cruise control when indicating, not a good idea!
Audio system supplied very good as in all vauxhalls, good bass and treble, but mid range lacks presence and sound in rear of car is awful. However apertures are present in the rear doors to fit tweeters so I might have a go at putting some in.
Storage space is excellent, boot (hatch) is cavernous and there's plenty of pockets, cup holders and compartments (including beneath arm rests!).
Silver trim (plastic) initially looked a bit naff, but it grows on you and it does brighten up the cabin. Infact the cabin feels airy and roomy with good choice of greys instead of the gloomy blacks as were in my omega! Plastics are of high quality, soft and satin appearance. A bit more real metal though would be nice!
Handling is superb, but steering can feel a bit too light and doesn't offer much driver feedback at times. Pedal spacing is good, clutch seems to need a fairly extensive travel and brakes are sensitive, requiring the lightest of touch (after the omega!). Handbrake positioning is a bit awkward though, as the arm rest is close to it and it seems to be a bit far back (the handbrake). Steering wheel is adjustable for rake and position and feels good.
Speedometer and rev counter are rather smaller than previous models and the close spacing of the numbering and italic like lettering makes them a bit difficult to glance at.. Also controls for windows and mirrors are on the doors and quite closely spaced, requiring me to look down before operating.
Security is excellent, with immobiliser and alarm system fitted as standard. It also looks like the alarm system has a remote battery backed siren included, though I am not sure.
Overall a fine car and a lot of motor for the money if you buy nearly new! As a diesel its the best of both worlds, excellent economy combined with good looks, performance and creature comforts.
12th Aug 2005, 15:04
I have a 2003 Vectra 1.8LS and have just had mine in my local dealers for all the same problems as you mention. I also need a new CD player, and a contact on the air bag keeps clicking on the steering. It also keeps coughing when trying to pull away quickly in 1st and 2nd, they have updated the software, but it still seems to do it. Anyone else know of this problem or a cure?
Not too good for a car with only 18000miles covered!