The Opel Vectra is powered by two new engines: a 2.2-litre ECOTEC four-cylinder, and a 3.2-litre ECOTEC V6. Both produce more power than the engines they replace, and the 2 are Euro4 compliant, which means extremely low exhaust emissions. As one senior Holden engineer put it: “You could almost breathe straight from the exhaust.”
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine develops a respectable 108kW of power (up 4kW) and 203Nm of torque (up 3Nm). Not massive gains, and not eye opening either. For comparison, the 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine in the Mazda 6 gives 122kW and 207Nm.
Standard equipment on all Vectras is impressive, supporting Holden’s claim that it is “the most sophisticated mid-sized Holden ever”. Power windows, power mirrors, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, CD stereo, cruise control, tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers and air-conditioning are all part of the basic car.
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake-assist, cornering brake control and traction control are standard safety systems on every model, along with dual front airbags and side airbagsIn basic four-cylinder form the Vectra is not going to win any stoplight grand prix, neither is it going to disappoint. We test drove both the five-speed manual and five-speed automatic (with tiptronic-style gear selection) on the launch and both impressed with their willingness to accelerate from low revs and their sprightly nature on the move.
This is not a driver’s car; the steering does kick back over sharp bumps while cornering hard, the pedal movements are a little doughy, the throttle feels delayed and the gear lever is very functional without being snickety quick. These will, however, only be an issue when a driver is pushing the Vectra hard, and it’s arguably not what this vehicle is designed to do. All in all its a quality car, Search Second Hand Volkswagen Golf For sale
