HOT
COUSINS UNDER THE SKIN
And when you're up to the legal limit, you can marvel in Vectra's refinement. With its long sixth gear, Vauxhall's engineers have managed to settle the engine to a hushed 2500rpm at 70mph - which is easy on the ears but in the meat of the torque curve for instant response to your right foot.
With a healthy 265Nm of torque - at a usefully low 2500rpm, you don’t have to drive this super-willing road-going Vectra like a BTCC wannabe.
As we cut loose from the M1 and point our nose toward Melton Mowbray, it's on the B6047 where the fun really starts.
The electro-hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering system is clever, because unlike conventional power assistance systems it only uses power when you make a steering input. But in line with the changes to Vectra and its focus on dynamics, the steering has been tuned to be fingertip-precise, with immediate response, great feedback through bends and a settled, confidence inspiring feel at higher speeds and about the straight-ahead position.
The SRi's sports-tuned suspension is much the same: poised and ready to impress, giving a surprising degree of agility for such a large, comfortable family car. With great seat-of-the-pants feel, you can push the Vectra confidently through bends.
Fast sweeping A-roads and switchback B-roads are the SRi's natural habitat. It stimulates your senses and rewards keen drivers. After the challenge of the B6047, it's time for a break before continuing on to Nottingham for our overnight stay.
Next up on this BTCC odyssey is Donington Park circuit. After having a quick, clear run on the A6006, we feel like we're on pole position. The Vectra SRi has that effect on you. It's a mature, sophisticated car, with big refinement and no shortage of creature comforts, such as cruise control and a great sounding audio system.
And like Brands, Donington means a lot to Vauxhall, too, because the company has notched up 8 champagne-spraying moments on the top step of the podium. We grab a hurried hour looking around the Donington Grand Prix Collection (which is every motor sport