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Vauxhall Vectra
Vauxhall’s Vectra bears the VXR performance badge. The Vectra is designed for speed and delivers a swift, exciting ride. The VXR estate on the other hand may make more sense in the long term.
The Vauxhall Vectra estate is a more than adequate vehicle. The estate VXR is a reliable load-lugger that provides a substantial amount of performance and also has a large practical boot as well.
The VXR badge has become indicative of performance. Although a new introduction, Vauxhall wouldn’t have given the Vectra the VXR badge without being completely confident about the performance being offered. The car also comes with twin exhausts, a subtle spoiler and a restyled grille, cleverly straddling the line between sportiness and subtlety.
Recaro sports seats come as standard. These seats are designed for support in a performance car. They offer adequate support and comfort in all the right areas. The cabin is not quite as exciting as you would expect it to be, but the quality of materials used is good.
The Vectra estate is less costly to purchase than many of its rivals, it’s also faster and delivers a more enjoyable ride. Anyone looking for a car with performance potential should give the Vectra some serious thought.
Practicality
The Vectra will not be the most inexpensive car to buy or run. Insurance rates will be high and maintenance charges will not be cheap. Fuel economy is decent and resale values will be high.
The cabin is very large thanks to a longer chassis. The front passengers have plenty of head and legroom. Move to the rear and passengers will share the same experience. The boot is large and will be able to swallow a days shopping easily. The handy ski hatch will allow for easy loading of long items.The gauges are clear and concise. They are also aesthetically pleasing. The buttons and knobs are of high quality with many of them having a rubber effect finish. The fascia is uncluttered and both audio and climate controls are functional and practical.
The seats are top notch when it comes to quality both for support and comfort. With plenty of wiggle room in all directions, the Vectra is able to make even the longest of trips pleasant.
Getting into the cabin is easy through the wide door apertures and high roofline. The only trouble will be for old or larger occupants as the sports seats aren’t as wide and may pose a problem. Accessing the boot is simple, but the rear hatch seems slightly heavy.
Visibility is good all around, but due to a long chassis judging distances will be difficult. Power steering be comes light and precise, which is good because the power and high acceleration of the car makes it jumpy when attempting slow speed maneuvers.
Life Style
The VXR badge is on the Vectra estate for a reason. The car boasts a speed of two tenths of second slower than the hatchback from 0 to 62mph. Acceleration, power and speed are some main selling points for the car, but the car also boasts an excellent braking system.
The load lugger’s quality interior trim counts against it as a true family vehicle. The car’s firm ride also count against it. There are definitely better family vehicles out there, but the Vectra could technically be used.
This is not a good first car. The car’s asking price is likely to betoo high for most first time buyers, and the car will be difficult for younger drivers to insure and the car might offer too much power for an inexperienced driver.
The VXR sub-brand is coming along nicely. It is quickly gaining popularity in the mainstream. The improvement in the quality of the material used in the Vectra is evident. Vauxhall is generally seen as a producer of practical but not flashy cars. VXR models have a better image and are seen for the exciting cars that they are.
Security and Safety
The car will attract lots of attention and not all of it good. The VXR will be very attractive to thieves and will require a comprehensive security package.
The car comes standard with front, side and cushion airbags are all included. The car has an excellent braking system, and there’s no shortage of electronic safety enhancements including IDS-Plus with ESP and EBD.
The Finishing Touches
The car’s standard audio system includes a CDC 40 stereo radio with DAB, a six CD changer and 356 watts per channel. Satellite navigation is offered as a cost option.
The car’s interior delivers a sporty feel, and the car’s exterior comes in four colours, red, blue, sapphire or silver. Sapphire is the most flattering.
Summary
The Vectra VXR Estate is a very practical and fast vehicle. The estate is a refreshing change of pace and shouldn’t have any problems attracting a loyal following.
July 24, 2014 / admin / 0
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