2006 Vauxhall Vectra DTI review from UK and Ireland

Nothing yet.

The car I had was a Vectra Elite 1.9 TDI. The car comes fully equipped - dual climate control, heated front seats, full leather interior, on-board satnav with traffic avoidance system, electric rear-view mirror, etc, etc.

I suffer from back problems and can't drive cramped. I'm 5'10" and I found the driving position very comfortable on long journeys. The seats are lovely - they offer full support including a lumbar support, and they are heated.

The central console's controls are easy to use once you get the hang of them and all the controls are replicated on the steering wheel. The console includes the stereo and the satnav and TA systems and has a large LCD display.

The automatic gearbox has 6 gears and can be driven as a tiptronic if required, though to be perfectly honest there is no need. The six gears provide an exceptionally smooth ride with no noticable flat spots during acceleration. The car is phenomenally quick! There is hardly any turbo lag at low revs; indeed, the car accelerates very quickly and the six gears will take you up to top end in no time at all. My previous car was a modified mk 2 Golf GTI with 150BHP - the 1.9 TDI Vectra is almost as quick! (I've driven the 2.2 petrol Vectra Elite too and that is ridiculously fast!) In a straight line, the Vectra has put 2 litre BMWs, Toyotas and Hondas to shame - and it's a diesel!

Handling is about what one would expect from a car of this size and weight. It is not a Golf GTI, but a family saloon and the ride reflects this. It is very smooth and the suspension can take speed bumps at 40mph without a hitch. The car feels solid and safe at speed and there is very little road or engine noise.

As far as fuel economy is concerned, I have no problems. I tend to drive with my foot all the way down so I use more fuel than most. Even so, doing 140 miles a day during rush hour, the tank is good for 3 or 4 days.