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I can confirm it's a good package because while I haven't yet had to resort to salesmanship to keep the family in square meals, I spent some unexpectedly good days with just that in a test car. In truth I hadn't expected much of the machine when I saw it was coming my way. The Vectra hasn't had a good time over the past few years, unfairly the butt of some commentators' venom for no good reason but for the fact that – like the bully's victim - it hadn't done anyone any harm.

Bland would be too strong a word and perhaps insignificant would be closer to the mark. Which is why Vauxhall has taken the Vectra – and its associated and even more underrated yet superb Signum – and given them a makeover. Actually Vauxhall says that's exactly what it hasn't done, unlike some other manufacturers who restrict their facelifts to an extra piece of chrome trim, a new wheel and upgraded stereo.

In the case of the Vectra, there's a completely redesigned front end and a substantial upgrading on the inside. Everything from the windscreen forwards is all-new and its on-road behaviour, which wasn't that bad before, is improved. Little touches have brought a lot of difference to the car. The steering wheel is smaller for a start and not only does it look better, it actually helps the feel of the car on the road.

What was always a very clean and concise fascia has been tweaked to be even more businesslike and while it maybe wouldn't pick up any awards in the innovative style section, it does what it is supposed to do in an understated but practical way.

The build quality is good and all the bits do what they are supposed to do, unlike some other models which trade on their "British-built" label. I was very impressed with my Vectra and while it may blend into the motoring landscape it is a sure-footed and reliable workhorse which has kept a quarter of a million second generation Vectra owners around the UK quietly content.

But for extra spice, adding the SRi element is like splashing a few drops of Tabasco onto an ordinary glass of tomato juice.
 
Price: £17,870
Capacity: 1796cc
Power: 140bhp
0-60mph: 10.2 seconds
Maximum speed: 131mph
Economy: 51.4mpg extra urban, 39.2mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 173g/km
Insurance: Group 8
Vauxhall figures.

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