| It
reads like any good European recipe for a
mid-size sedan - taut handling, firm seats,
attractive styling and a 2.0 litre twin-cam 4
cylinder engine. But wearing Holden badges ? Get used to that, because while
these early Vectras are assembled in Antwerp,
Belgium, by sometime next year they will also be
built in Elizabeth, SA, as part of GM's export
push into Africa and Asia.
But Vectra's stylish
appearance (especially those wing mirrors), and
the interior, leave no doubt of its European
origins for the moment.
The inside offers decent
bodyspace both front and rear in seats that are
firmly supportive and prove ideal over long
distances, with turnwheel adjustment of the
backrests and a driver's seat height adjuster.
Dashboard layout is clever;
the stereo is actually located a bit low, but
with its function display panel set high up in
the dash, so a brief glance away from the road is
all that is needed. And the six door-mounted
speakers produce good sound quality.
Standard equipment also
includes a driver's airbag (passenger side
optional), an ABS braking system that doubles as
a traction control system, power mirrors, central
locking, tinted glass and interior light delay.
Ride is firm but
comfortable, with good NVH levels. A bit of road
rumble from the "Fuel Saver" tyres
fitted as standard equipment, but those curvy
wing mirrors work by reducing wind noise around
them.
On the downside, they're a
bit small in terms of image area and have to be
carefully focused if you're to avoid close
encounters with other vehicles in the next lane.
GL Vectra is available with
5-speed manual or the test car's dual-mode auto
transmission (three modes if you include the snow
setting), which has the unusual habit of dropping
into neutral while stopped at the traffic lights
for less fuel consumption. Maybe our average of
9.0 L/100kms (31mpg) meant I didn't stop enough.
It felt good to learn that
the Ecotec twin-cam engine is actually made in
SA, at Fishermens Bend, and exported to Belgium.
About time we saw it here, because it really is
good.
|
So I'm a sucker for styling - but Vectra looks
good.
It doesn't look that special, but the dash is an
ergonomic pleasure.
Sucked in even further by style - so what if
they're a bit small.
At least this engine can wear its Holden badge
with pride, being Aussie-made.
|
Nuts-N-Bolts
