2003 Vauxhall Vectra SRi Edition 100 2.0 turbo (petrol)

Summary:

Now a good looking car, with performance to match

Faults:

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

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2004

2nd Feb 2004, 02:14

I think you will find that the 2.0 turbo DOES only put out 175 Bhp. The 3.2 Litre V6 pushing 211 bhp.

31st Mar 2004, 15:36

I agree, this car (2.0Turbo model) puts out 175bhp. I picked mine up on the 24th of March, what can I say? it is pretty awesome for a so called reps car. Vauxhall have put together a very nice package with the SRi 100 edition. It drives excellent and handles brilliant yet it still looks classy, not tacky and too over the top with silly oversize spoilers and fandango wheel arches. I only paid £14995 (new) for mine, a lot of car for the money. thanks Vauxhall.

2003 Vauxhall Vectra LS 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Good motorway workhorse

Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

Great fuel economy.

The 2ltr diesel engine is quite a bit slower than the 2.2 I had in my last Vectra, but you get used to the lower performance.

High waist makes for poor visibility for rear passengers, especially small children.

Indicators are annoying. They are a 'paddle' style and I still end up knocking them on accidentally.

Excellent spec for the entry level.

Massive improvement on the previous model Vectra in just about every area - in particular the driver & passenger seats which now have lumbar support as standard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2003

25th Feb 2004, 08:01

Whilst I agree on the good equipment levels on the car, I have an LS 1.8, I find the fuel gauge has a knack off making its own mind up and alters if you pull away quickly from start off. the wind buffets the car at about 70mph. however I do like it good turn of speed, though its gearing for town use requires constant up and down shifting. I find that the brakes are spongy and these have not been rectified even though the brake pads where changed at 20,000 mls! I find the ride "OK" and handling to soft for any B road driving. overall not a bad motor if you're not looking to set your world alight with driver enjoyment.