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New-look Vectra Ahead By A Nose

Exclusive images in this week's Auto Express magazine reveal Vauxhall's facelifted Vectra. And the mag's pictures show the front end clearly for the first time.

By Chris Thorp

27th April 2005

When you compare it to the current model, you can see the designers have made the most significant changes at the front. All new from the A-pillar forward, the bodywork takes on a more distinctive look with long headlamps stretching over the wings.

Right-hand-drive variants destined for the UK will feature Vauxhall's familiar 'V' grille, which will emphasise the new front end's angular lines. Elsewhere, the stylists have made fewer revisions, with only minor modifications to the tail-lights and a reshaped rear bumper.

While the interior has evaded our snapper's lenses, we've been told there are plenty of improvements. A Vauxhall spokesman explained: "Research has told us that the current car's dashboard is perceived to be of medium quality, when it is actually very expensive. Our customers don't see it as such because of the texture and grain of the materials. This will be addressed."

The cabin is also set for a technological boost, with the addition of Bluetooth capability to the communication system, as well as an updated display on redesigned instrument dials. What's more, the current Vectra's troublesome indicators will be upgraded.

We've also been told to expect big improvements on the road. While the Luton engineers appreciate the importance of refinement to Vectra buyers, bosses also realise that it's crucial they inject more excitement into the family car's handing. Extensive development work has been carried out to create a chassis set-up designed especially for Britain's demanding roads.

To allow drivers to capitalise on the facelifted Vectra's more capable underpinnings, the engine range will also be overhauled. While the existing 1.8-litre petrol unit will remain at launch, buyers on a budget should wait until early next year when a new Twinport version will join the line-up. It has variable valve timing to boost economy.

At the other end of the range, the current 3.2-litre V6 will be replaced by a 2.8 turbo with two power outputs. A 217bhp version teamed with an auto box is intended for those looking for a muscular cruiser, while a 247bhp variant will propel the VXR high-performance flagship. That model will be a fitting understudy to the Monaro VXR, with a top speed in excess of 160mph.

Diesel units will also be upgraded, with the entry-level 2.0 DTi being dropped. That means the choice of 118bhp or 148bhp versions of the Astra's 1.9-litre CDTI. The range-topping 175bhp 3.0-litre V6 oil-burner will also be reworked to improve emissions.

Vauxhall plans to reveal its own official pictures of the revised Vectra in June, but the newcomer won't arrive in UK dealers until October. Five-door hatch and estate models will appear alongside the saloon pictured in the mag.

At the same time, the firm will also introduce a revised Signum. In an effort to differentiate the luxury car from its Vectra stablemate, the Signum will feature a sleeker redesign, which was previewed by Auto Express in issue 851.

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