Vauxhall has listened hard to those critics who claimed the Vectra lagged behind the likes of the Mondeo on a decent road. Modified steering and new suspension bushes have been introduced onto Vauxhalls (though not their identikit Opel sisters in Europe) and the results are a sizeable step forward. No, it’s not going to start worrying the likes of the BMW 3-series but there is now a more meaty feel to the helm and a more immediate turn in to any given corner.
Creditably, none of this improved dynamic ability has been achieved at the expense of ride quality which was and remains a Vectra strength. In almost all conditions, it smooths away the bumps with aplomb but now has an added degree of body control over longer wave obstacles.
Vectras have also been noted for their refinement, though with a high output, small capacity diesel under the bonnet, engine noise is a muted but constant companion.