Vauxhall Vectra Euro NCAP 4 stars
With a plethora of models on offer the Vectra remains one of the most popular and comfortable cars in its class. Stylish and good to drive the motorway munching Vestra from Vauxhall seats five adults with ease and is available in hatchback, saloon and estate versions.
Air conditioning, cruise control and electric front windows are standard on entry level models, with equipment levels across the various trim levels being of a good standard. Options include satellite navigation available across most of the range, digital radio,
and Vauxhall's superb adaptive forward lighting system.
The Vectra hatchback is up there with the best in class for practicality with a 500-litre boot compartment, and a large storage area with the rear seats folded.
The estate version goes a stage further and even shames some MPV's with its generous interior space and huge no load lip luggage area. Winner of the prestigious WhatCar? Best Estate Car award for both 2006 and 2007 this is a contender that should not be
overlooked.
The VXR brand represents the top of the range high-performance model. With a top speed of 161mph the hatchback is the fastest Vectra to date, sizzling from 0-60mph in a mere 6.5 seconds.
Really good fuel economy is available across the range, with the 1.9 diesel capable of over 50mpg combined and over 60 extra urban. Coupled to emission levels as low as 154g/km and a VED band D, the Vectra offers exceptional ecological benefits for a vehicle of its class. Even the 1.9 diesel estate is capable of over 45mpg
combined and around 57mpg extra urban
None of the newer Vectra models have been tested by Euro NCAP, so there is a possibility that the latest models with their Six airbags (including side curtains), anti-whiplash head restraints and chassis safety systems fitted as standard, will improve further on the
already creditable 4 star rating. In the same NCAP tests the Vectra also achieved four stars for pedestrian protection.
All new Vectras are covered by a one-year unlimited
mileage warranty as well as an additional second and third year no-fee customer option warranty with a mileage limit of 60,000 miles. Vauxhall also guarantees all new vehicles against perforation by corrosion of the bodywork and underbody, where it occurs as a result of defective materials or workmanship, for six years from the date of first registration. Twelve months Vauxhall Assistance is provided automatically from first registration and covers incidents such as accidents, mechanical breakdown, flat tyres to illness whilst driving.
About the manufacturer
Vauxhall is committed to seeking the most efficient processes and technology to control and reduce waste,
pollution and the emissions from its vehicles.
It is working hard to increase the efficiency of its recycling process by designing products from the start to be recyclable. It has the twin aims of decreasing the waste produced during vehicle production and then further reducing waste at the end of a vehicle's life. This drives preservation of precious material and energy resources for the benefit of the planet.
The strategy rests on two principles: Recycling Orientated Design / Design for pre-treatment Development and implementation of material 'cycles' for vehicle production. The aim is to support both GM engineers and suppliers in the development of vehicles and components where recyclability is built in. The process also helps engineers to analyse parts,
components and vehicles with regard to their recyclability and recoverability. One of Vauxhalls recycling targets is to increase the quantity of recycled materials, also known as recyclates, in the production of its cars. More than 90 plastic recyclate types have been specified and approved for use in production. Recyclates are always preferred over virgin material, as long as their usage is technically feasible and economically viable. The Vauxhall recycling team takes every effort to maintain high standards of performance and mechanical and thermal durability.
Vauxhall complies with new legislation introduced in 2003 that requires all car manufactures and vehicle importers of new cars into the United Kingdom to take back vehicles from last owners or keepers (free of charge) at the end of their life and to ensure that they are treated in an environmentally responsible fashion. Vauxhall have appointed Autogreen Ltd as their sole service provider in the UK to manage the free take back of our last owner's vehicles. Vauxhall is obliged to take back all vehicles from January 2007 free of change to the last owner provided certain qualifying conditions are met. Vehicles placed on the market after July 2002 will also be entitled to free take back as long as the same requirements are met.
To view Vauxhalls environmental philosophy and policy go to www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/morefromvauxhall/sustainability.do