STYLISH
New Vectra races to number one
Stylish new looks, great driving dynamics and exceptional value have all helped take Vauxhall's New Vectra to the top of its class among Britain's private motorists - recording a staggering sales increase of 263 per cent from July 2005 to July 2006.
In July this year that equated to no fewer than 954 New Vectras sold to non-fleet customers through Vauxhall retailers; and Vectra's success also helped Vauxhall become Britain's favourite brand overall for private buyers.
It is a huge success story, based on the kind of new thinking now visible all through the Vauxhall range. Something else all those buyers love is New Vectra's astonishing value - highlighted by the best-selling Exclusiv model. From only £14,795 on the road, the 1.8i 16v VVT Exclusiv includes air conditioning, full-size curtain airbags, premium CD/stereo system, electric front windows, heated door mirrors and remote deadlocking all as standard - as well as Vauxhall's innovative Structure Wheel, which has all the visual appeal of alloy wheels but without the cost.
It's A Van, Man!
Is it a coupé? Is it a hot hatch? Is it a sports car? No, it's the Corsavan Concept, and it made its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September - putting an even sportier twist on the New Corsa and showing just how the three-door car's looks might transfer to a chic, practical city van.
In the same Glamour Red body colour as the GT Concept that was also shown in Paris, the Corsavan Concept uses black-coloured side panels to replace the three-door hatch's rear side windows without breaking the coupe-like lines. And it isn't all show - the New Corsa's 90PS 1.3-litre CDTi engine and six-speed gearbox give Corsavan Concept the performance for both urban and out-of-town use.
It also features sporty red brake callipers, classic VXR styling, a new front bumper, side sills and rear spoiler. And inside, it includes black leather sports seats, and smart piano lacquer surfaces like those in its hatchback cousins. But where the rear seats used to be, you'll find a fully-lined load bay and a half-height bulkhead to create a very versatile load area.