2002 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 SRi review from UK and Ireland

Windscreen wiper linkage failed leaving only the driver side working (luckily). The dealer took weeks to get the part in to repair it, during which time the weather was bad, lots of rain.

Knocking from suspension mountings. I had to keep taking the car back to the dealer before they eventually fitted a factory modification. It hasn't done it since.

Interior light switch failed leaving the light turned on. As it was winter, this was a nightmare when dark outside. The interior light is big (as there is only one in the SRI - stingy) and is therefore very bright. Again it took ages for the replacement part to arrive with the dealer.

One headlight bulb has needed replacing.

Passenger vanity mirror light failed. Only a minor issue, but a failure none the less.

I had an old shape Vectra CD 2.0 DTI before. As soon as I drove this 1.8 car I was disappointed with the performance. As I had been used to the turbo kicking in on the diesel engine (albeit producing only 100bhp) in the old car, the acceleration (or lack of it) from this 1.8 125bhp engine is poor. It's a big solid car and needs a 2.2 minimum. Even now after 60,000 miles, it still frustrates me that I have to rev it hard to get it to move quickly.

The SRI exterior styling touches make this car stand out from the rest of the range. The darkened light lens, the deeper bumpers, those 17" alloys under lowered suspension give the car strong road presence. My car is finished in distinctive Nepal Yellow metallic and gets heads turning especially when clean.

The handling is very good and brakes are excellent. The electronics that keep the car flat in corners and under braking are state of the art. Your really don't appreciate how sophisticated they are until you drive an older car for the day that doesn't have the modern electronics.

Unfortunately the 5-speed gearbox is not great. It's a bit notchy and the through between the gears is too long and the lever too tall. Vauxhall could learn a thing or two from my wife's Audi A4. The short gearshift is still smooth and precise after 85,000 miles.

The interior of the car is generally good and hard-wearing. The Cabin is big, roomy if a little bland. The Sports seats are supportive, but don't sit low enough in the car for my taste.