2003 Vauxhall Vectra SRi Edition 100 review from UK and Ireland

Nothing has gone wrong with the car to date. It feels very solid, as if it could drive for ever.

I picked this car up from new as a replacement to my 2001 Vectra 2.2 CD. It is quite a bit different from my previous car, but not all good.

Inside, the car is well designed. There are nice little features, such as a secret compartment in the rear and front armrest, dampened grab handles which ooze quality. The dash may look a bit blocky at first, but soon grows on one. It is easy to use, and feels top notch quality. The only disappointing thing is the driver's seat. It is very comfortable most of the time, but as this is a sporty model, it has high bolsters, which can dig into my thighs on long journeys. I can feel quite uncomfortable on times. I've driven non-sporty Vectras, and they don't have this problem.

The ride is good, although it is a little choppy over rougher surfaces - this is due to lowered/stiffened suspension. In turn however, the handling is superb. The steering very quick and sharp. The car feels very agile, particularly after my previous model. The cabin is quiet too, and there is very little wind noise.

The engine - what can I say... superb, excellent. The same aluminum engine as the 2.2 used, just a lower capacity and turbocharged, giving 175bhp. Silky smooth with very little turbo lag, and when you put your foot down, she goes... and goes. The traction control can't even hold back the wheels from spinning.

Outside, it looks the part finished in Silver Lightning, with rear spoiler, front airdam, side skirts, 17" 16-spoke alloys and dual branch stainless steel exhausts.

This car is excellent. Superb. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Funny thing is though, as good as this car is, magazines would have you believe it is generations away from its predecessor... but it's not, which is no bad thing. The older shape was also a superb car. In many aspect, better than the current shape.