2004 Vauxhall Vectra SRi review from UK and Ireland

Notchy gearchange 1-2, 2-3rd.

Interior a little uninspiring.

Audio system lacks midrange.

Handling a little distant.

After having the old Vectra this is a totally different car. I was looking at an Alfa 156 but this genuinely won me over. Obviously not as inspired as the Alfa and doesn't sound as good, but from an engineering point of view wins hands down.

It's quicker than all the Audi/VW 2.0TDI's and 2.0 FSI's out there, the BMW 320's and Mondeos (less the ST220), handles crisply and solidly, benefits from great brakes and is really well put together. (it is made in Germany!)

The gearchange has been a let down however, notchy and unwilling when chaning gear quickly - however this is an understood issue on early gearboxes and Vauxhall are currently replacing gearbox and clutch under Network Q warranty, just becuase of a notchy gearchange.

Motorway driving is brilliant, relaxing and 35-40 MPG. You'll also love it on the country roads, where it feels slick, firmly poised and reassuring to throw into bends thanks to it's direct if slightly uncommunicative steering, excellent brakes and huge grip.

Also lower the windows and those compression and dump valve noises from the turbocharger might appeal to your inner boy racer!

I'd never buy a new Vauxhall (sorry!) as the depreciation is plain silly, but a 3 year old one of these with 30k on the clock, full Network Q warranty for £7k is just excellent value.

If you can live with having a Griffin on the front of your car rather than a blue propeller, a three pointed star or a few rings then this makes a lot of sense. It's a well engineered car, handles great, 0-60 in 8.1 seconds and if you can get one with one of the new gearboxes you'll not be disappointed.

My major gripe would be the audio system - it mushes up all your midrange. Something like Amy Winehouse sounds fine, stick Oasis on and it's terrible!

Still don't you still have to pay extra for a radio in a BMW?