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Vauxhall Vectra

Vauxhall Vectra Tourer

Could this be the best value car on sale in Britain today? With the wraps off the new Vectra, Vauxhall is left with the problem of shifting the old model from showrooms. And what better way to move the metal than to cut the price back to the bone? The resulting deal is so generous, we had to ring up Vauxhall to check the price wasn't a misprint - at only �12,495 this special edition costs nearly �3,000 less than the LS load-lugger on which it's based.

March 2002

Could this be the best value car on sale in Britain today? With the wraps off the new Vectra, Vauxhall is left with the problem of shifting the old model from showrooms. And what better way to move the metal than to cut the price back to the bone? The resulting deal is so generous, we had to ring up Vauxhall to check the price wasn't a misprint - at only ί¿½12,495 this special edition costs nearly ί¿½3,000 less than the LS load-lugger on which it's based.

Sure, it's a Vauxhall Vectra Estate and therefore not the most exciting mile-muncher on the motorways, but the LS package means the Tourer has ABS, air-con, electric heated mirrors, front electric windows, four airbags and a CD player. On top of that lot, it also gets metallic paint, 16-inch alloys from the Vectra CDX and an SRi rear spoiler.

Despite all the kit, the Tourer is ί¿½2,700 cheaper than the LS and even costs ί¿½300 less than an Astra 1.4LS Estate, making it the cheapest Vectra by over ί¿½700. All of which gives it a serious edge over its rivals.

Admittedly it could never be regarded as a great driver's car, but in most situations it is perfectly adequate, offering a punchy 1.8-litre, 130bhp engine and surprisingly swift performance. It'll potter round town or gobble up motorways without complaint, even loaded down with a wardrobe. And while nowhere near as complete a package as the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna or Volkswagen Passat - or indeed the imminent all-new Vectra - at this price it simply won't be competing against these cars.

The only other family-sized estates for similar money are the underpowered and less well equipped Skoda Octavia 1.6-litre Ambiente at ί¿½12,385 or the well specified, but otherwise unpleasant, Daewoo Nubira 2.0 CDX at ί¿½12,995. Against this pair, the Vectra gives a seriously good account of itself. The Skoda drives well, but it lacks the Tourer's bigger engine, alloys, paint and side airbags, while the Nubira's ride comfort and quality are found wanting.

Inside, the Vectra is looking dated and the finish is not as neat as its more modern rivals. But we'd have no complaints at this price, as the equipment makes it feel more top-of-the- range than bargain basement. Well worth a look for canny private buyers.

The Vectra Tourer just can't be ignored at this price. To make way for next year's new model, Vauxhall has created a car that must rank as one of Britain's best bargains. For a cheap, no-nonsense load-lugger, it takes some beating. Get down to your Vauxhall dealers quick before bosses change their minds...

At a glance

* On sale now priced ί¿½12,495

* Based on the 1.8 LS Estate, but costs ί¿½2,700 less

* Auto option available for ί¿½965

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