2002 Vauxhall Vectra GSi review from UK and Ireland

The universal joint failed the same day I took delivery of the car from a Network Q dealer, It should have been found on the 114 point check!

The fastest car I've owned and is very quick off the mark. The torque is amazing and find I change down when there is no need.

I am over 6' and need to have my seat fully back which restricts the rear passengers seat leaving only 6" of leg room for anyone sitting at the back of me.

Also with the drivers seat fully back the center console (behind the handbrake) gets in the way of my fore arm when operating the handbrake.

The GSi comes with Yokohama tyres from new and due to them being soft compound rubber, the front tyres will only last around 10,000 miles, this is normal for the GSi. When the front tyres needed replacing I found some slight handling problems, this included the car veering when hitting road marking and over-banding in the wet which can be unsettling on fast roads.

On the motorway you'll need to keep your eye on the speedo as its very easy to do 100mph and it only feel like 70mph. This is a very good motorway car and feels safe and comfortable even in cross winds. Also during overtaking and heavy braking the GSi is very stable and predictable.

Overall the GSi holds it own on the road and handles like it's a smaller car which s a great advantage if you find yourself in the wrong lane or need to get yourself out of trouble.

Just one word of warning, that alloy gear knob makes your hand freezing in winter, then in summer it gets red hot and nearly takes the skin off your palm, nice to look at though!