HOT
COUSINS UNDER THE SKIN
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.
Our last leg across country gives us one more chance to reflect on the Vectra's astonishing talents. While it has the driver's demands well and truly sewn up, Vauxhall hasn't forgotten about the rest of the package. So the Vectra is also a more family-friendly car than ever.
All the materials are great looking, but the Vectra's cabin doesn't just look slick and stylish, it feels durable and built to last, with soft-touch plastics, pleasing grain effects and sporty aluminium-effect finishes all around the user-friendly centre console.
All versions come with ISOFIX child-seat fixing points, and front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD and EBA (electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assistance) and active front head restraints. Then there's the space - proper five adults- can-stretch-out-in-comfort space.
If it comes down to the wire, Thruxton is where it will happen - the fastest circuit on the calendar, and a happy hunting ground for Vauxhall in the BTCC over the years, with 14 winners' trophies here. Expect fast and ferociously furious action.
So, after three days of non-stop driving, and whistle-stop tours of the start, middle and end of 2007's BTCC season, we've notched up a hefty 1200 miles. Yet we'd quite happily do it all over again.
Why? Because the Vectra made it a genuine pleasure. It takes the work out of long distance hauls by soothing yet stimulating you at the same time. If that sounds too good to be true, give it a try for yourself, with a test-drive from Vauxhall, either through your local dealer or by registering online. You'll be amazed how it will banish the blues and bring on a big, Vauxhall smile.
