Test Drive Opel Vectra Sedan 2005 - 2008 Sedan

Classmates from the 4th "d"

Time and road tested
These four cars were connected in one dough on the national basis. Four representatives of the class D of four countries. Not leaders, but also not market outsiders. We have chosen sedans with motors above two liters, with automatic boxes and a fairly wide set of options.
Honda Accord.

Honda Accord Dynamic, even a sharp car for those who can ride and value sports qualities
The valuable quality of Honda instant start.
Accord is rapid in everything, starting with the abundance of wedge-shaped lines and ending with depotable reactions to any driver action
Two pipes, spoiler, lining valiant knight in armor.
 
Under the hood
Engine: Working volume 2354 cm3,
compression ratio of 10.5: 1,
max. Power 190 l. with. at 6800 rpm,
max. Moment 223 nm at 4500 rpm
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.9 / 13.7 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 65 l
Maximum volume: 460 liters.
The luggage compartment is impressive and the lid opens comfortably.
Only highlighted the connector line. Spare wheel under the carpet
   
Number of seats 5.
Drive front
Suspension
Front duplex
Rear multi-profile
Auto gearbox. 5-stupas.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km / h 227
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from 9
Total information
Mass cutting. / Full, kg 1480/1960
 
PEUGEOT 407.

She leaves no one indifferent.
Rear 407th does not look big.
Fog lights are great bevelled and very well illuminate the space on the sides of the protruding nose.
Under the orange display, Peugeot has a comfortable concave shelf with rubber coating. Phones like ...

Under the hood
Engine: Working volume 2231 cm3,
compression ratio of 10.8: 1,
max. Power 158 liters. with. at 5650 rpm,
max. Moment 217 nm at 3900 rpm / min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.1 / 13.9 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 66 l
Maximum volume: 410 liters.
The smallest trunk and the most uncomfortable.
Open the lid accounts for its lower edge.
Under the rug, a full-size fifth wheel
   
Number of seats 5.
Drive front
Suspension
Front duplex
Rear multi-profile
Auto gearbox. 4-stupas.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km / h 211
Acceleration up to 100 km / h, from 12.1
Total information
Mass cutting. / Full, kg 1280/2040
 
Opel Vectra.

Rear and in the profile of Vectra among competitors the most strict.
The German approach to building a car is felt in every detail of the Opel appearance.
Your boyfriend for many owners of the Opel brand has become native. Attracts democratic prices and the widest range of potential buyers.
Dividing headlights gave a slightly smiling view. The rigor has become less, and the machine in front of visually grown.
The usual forms of the back. There is no innovation. At least at first glance.

Under the hood
Engine: Working volume 2198 cm3,
compression ratio 12: 1,
max. Power 155 liters. with. at 5600 rpm,
max. Moment 220 nm at 3800 rpm / min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.6 / 11.8 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 61 l
   
Number of seats 5.
Drive front
Suspension
Front independent
Rear independent lever
Auto gearbox. 5-stupas.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km / h 212
Acceleration up to 100 km / h, from 10.5
Total information
Mass cutting. / Full, kg 1475/2150
 
Volvo S60.

A recently developed waist line Volvo looked defiantly unusual. But everyone is accustomed, and now it is an integral design attribute.
The main minus Volvo is a high cost of service and spare parts. True, the true adherents of the radiator with the oblique strip it does not scare.
In any survey Volvo is found at first glance.
Each silhouette is carefully verified.
In this test, the evaluation of our experts completely coincided.
 
Under the hood
Engine: Working volume 2435 cm3,
compression ratio of 10.3: 1,
max. Power 140 liters. with. at 4500 rpm,
max. Moment 220 nm at 330 rpm / min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 9.5 liters per 100 km
Volume of fuel tank: 70 l
Maximum volume: 425 liters.
This trunk is in third place.
Ski Lanterns do not bother with loading due to the large width of the opening.
Spread under the rug.
Number of seats 5.
Drive front
Suspension
Front independent
Rear multi-profile
Auto gearbox. 5-stupas.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km / h 205
Acceleration up to 100 km / h, from 11.1
Total information
Mass cutting. / Full, kg 1440/1980
 
Who is something
Opel Vectra.
Price of a test car $ 31,000
Max. Power 155 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b212 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 10.5 s
Honda Accord.
Price of a car tested $ 35,900
Max. Power 190 l. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b220 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9 s
 
Volvo S60.
Price of a car tested $ 32,000
Max. Power 140 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b205 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 11.1 s
PEUGEOT 407.
Price tested car $ 34,500
Max. Power 158 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b211 km / h
Acceleration 0-100 km / h 12.1 s
 
Pomeliness
Opel Vectra ****
The result of the EURO NCAP crash test in 2002
Front. 12 of 16 (75%)
Side. 18 of 18 (100%)
Common score 30 of 34 (88%)
Vectra B is better protected by its predecessor. Particularly well designers have worked on lateral protection, so that the car in this discipline scored the maximum number of points.
Honda Accord ****
The result of the EURO NCAP crash test in 2003
Front. 10 of 16 (63%)
Side. 17 of 18 (94%)
Common score 28 of 34 (82%)
Great lateral protection at Honda is combined with a single-stage airbag, which nevertheless successfully copes with the protection of the head and neck. Serious plus three-point strap on the middle place at the rear.
 
Volvo S60 ****
The result of the EURO NCAP crash test in 2001
Front. 10 of 16 (63%)
Side. 18 of 18 (100%)
Common score 28 of 34 (82%)
Volvo results were slightly lower than expected, given the traditions of the brand of security. The Volvo S60 has an ideal side protection, but, according to NCAP, insufficient protection of the head zone.
PEUGEOT 407 *****
The result of the EURO NCAP crash test in 2004
Front. 15 out of 16 (94%)
Side. 16 of 18 (89%)
Common score 34 of the 34s (100%)
Write on the top five 407th almost sample security. The testers were particularly noted by the rigidity of the bottoms and minor accelerations during the frontal impact. Side protection is imperfect due to a slightly exceeded side acceleration.
How they look
 
Honda ACORD.
First show (7th generation) 2002
Design Honda.
 
 
PEUGEOT 407.
First show 2004
Design Director Gerard Wielter (Gerard Welter)
 
 
Opel Vectra.
First display of 2001. Changing the design of 2005
Brian Nesbitt Design (Bryan Nesbitt).
 
 
Volvo S60.
First show 2000
Design Director Peter Horbury (Peter Horbery)
 
Outside
Truly, almost the entire style of the European middle class D is presented here. Here and the veteran of the genre is once bright on the design of Volvo, a fresh look from Peugeot designers, Facelifting from Opel stylists, and another Honda in European appearance (design of American and Japanese versions other). Indeed, successfully operated by the Swedes plastic idea, which is based on the appearance of the S60, eight years (the premiere of the S80 style donor took place in 1998). The face of Peugeot, although newly, due to his bright individuality managed to take it away. The facial suspender in Vectra, made this year, was reduced to the new V-shaped line of the front bumper, which brought into the technocratic appearance of the design of the Opel note of Eastern sentimentality. This is confirmed by a similar line, deciding the face of the European version of Japanese Accord. In the competition of silhouettes of the palm of championship for Peugeot, the front of which is worthy of the books of records, and, if not to notice inconvenience when parking, it becomes almost the main component of the expressiveness of the french style.
A rare case, but behind the picture is very painted and expressive. All cars demonstrate individually completed integrity. The role of the final note perfectly works out the form of the rear lighting. So, Volvo has traditionally curly rubies (there are no one who does not have anyone!), Ending the dynamic dripping line (Horbury's shoulders), and the ACCORD has three rounds introducing a note of sports expressiveness. Surprisingly, the intensity of the style of Peugeot as it approaches the rear lanterns is reduced and runs out there finally. Opel puts the point in German concisely focused on a silver horizontal bar.
Inside
Traditions identify a class on plastic inserts imitating a tree, in this category of cars, finally broke. The winged metal dominates all. Traditionally, it introduces the style of sportiness, lightness and dynamics. In the architecture of the instrument panels, such a resource is also emphasized, but in its own way. The traditional T-shaped composition is chosen by all, but the most patriarchals look the VOLVO designers affects the age of the model. The rest are playing modern techniques as well as their age, no more. Solid four-spin steering wheel only have Peugeot. Opel and Honda are emphasized elegant, and the Volvo steering wheel, although the three-spoken, is equipped with a massive pillow, as it was made long ago.
Summary
This four c honors satisfy most of the requests regarding the style in Euroclass D, and, in this regard, each car seeks to emphasize the tactics of self-affirmation of the owner. Peugeot Refinedness, Honda, as it will seem strange, emotionality, Opel Intentionality, and the VOLVO design simply needs to be updated.
Liked / did not like it

 
Honda Accord.
LIKED
Turning in mirrors to the same comfortable thing! My will would make them mandatory, instead of a ban on red flashers from behind
DID NOT LIKE
The thin and slippery lever of turn signals / light loves to jump not down, and go ahead. Yet the headlights and flashers are better divided
 
 
PEUGEOT 407.
LIKED
Contrast pictures of the monitor, though small, but still very visual, and are functionally divided into zones
DID NOT LIKE
The wheel is irrelevant in France heating seats hidden on the base of the seat. All that remains to include the power and count clicks
 
 
Opel Vectra.
LIKED
The steering wheel is good, and the rubber pseudocol cell adjust the volume and is better. Although it does not spin, but always at hand
DID NOT LIKE
We are accustomed to the turn signals, but there is no light to the circular handle. Again the need for visual control without the possibility of tactile
 
 
Volvo S60.
LIKED
I am glad that you do not need to think what button to click, nor watch later, what exactly turned on
DID NOT LIKE
On this shelf of the rear bumper, even in a slight snowfall grows a snowdrift, freely closing flashers
 
Ergonomics
The comfort of the car for the driver and passengers starts with the door handle. Demonstrating the unity of solutions, Honda, Opel and Peugeot offer to pull for a comfortable handle with end-to-end coverage. The Swedish brand here is clearly lagging behind, offering to open the door for the raised folding. But close the door behind you in Volvo is convenient. Excellent vertical handles are present on Opel.
The biggest problem with the doors of Peugeot. Huge, as if in a two-door car, and heavy (due to the powerful safety frame inside), the doors are equipped with tight limiters, and it is necessary to open them at a large angle. The ladies who are not able to stop the horse on the race, will have to be pretty to suffer hope only on the hanity of the accompanying cavalier.
In addition, on the top at the top you are waiting for a sharp angle of edging. On this, it should be noted, the disadvantages of the eurgonomics of the front places Peugeot are practically ends. The Frenchwoman has comfortable seats with electrically regulators, a good steering wheel and a gear selector gear. The clarity of its moves, though not Mercedesian, but quite acceptable. Small reproof Designers: Wheels of the heating of the sidewers can be found only to the touch, it does not have an indication, and to clarify the degree of tooling the saddle of the saddle, it will have to drive several times from the edge to the edge and count the clicks.
The dashboard glows with contrasting orange symbols and numbers. Viden is excellent and at night, and during the day. Unusual seemed to have two temperature sensors. A separate index of engine oil temperature pushed out a benzometer for the middle of the panel. The display on the console is somewhat fine and is oversaturated by many icons, but the console itself is easily read.
In general, Peugeot's salon impresses spacious, although the calibration is not so different. At a convenient rear seat, Vladimir Smirnova has no space over his head. Yes, and the length is not enough. In terms of saving of excesses, the French car leader.
In Honda, obviously more space. Here to get a painter to the ceiling failed to anyone. Front seats are dense and covered with high-quality skin. Adjustable easily. The steering wheel is somewhat thin, but the buttons on it are the most adequate. They upset the thick, overlapping front racks and slippery lever turn signals. His oblique face will help include distant light instead of flasher. The right mirror is designed so that no position of the head relative to it gives information about the obstacles in the dead zone. The non-panoramic zone is small, and distortions in the rest are such that the image cannot quickly process.
Hondovskaya Console caused conflicting reviews. On the one hand, three twisers are simple and good. On the other abundance of different buttons around forces the look sadly wander in search of the desired.
The selector with the side button is both shaded and is clear, and the shield with advertising-causing light scales is surprisingly informative. On his background, weakly flowing monitor and buttons look dull.
In my opinion, the case somewhat spoil the dominant shades of all the elements of the Nutra, but it is only a matter of choosing a colors of the finish.
Torpedo Opel at first glance pleased with German clarity and conciseness. Unfortunately, this clarity is not always manifested in practice. About wonderful stealless switches without fixing once again do not want to mention. Riding half a day you get used to it. And they transplant into another car and understand that all this is superfluous.
But in fact, a good GM product spoils an abundance of annoying and quite disposable trifles. Such as the round handle of the light switch without the usual face, an inconvenient body of a CP selector or narrowing outward external mirrors with an insufficient area of \u200b\u200breview. This can also include a complex algorithm for producing the desired function of climate installation and symbolic light bulbs of the inner mirrors in the visors. They shine, but do not illuminate anything.
Seat in German hard, with highly developed side support. Comfortable and with large adjustments, although the handle of the longitudinal shift found not immediately. The steering wheel of the optimal cross section, stiffness and is equipped with an exceptionally convenient wheel adjustment wheel. Trifle, but nice.
Before the places in the Opel abundantly, it is not by chance that such machines often work in a taxi.
Volvo turned out to be the most spacious. Here and ahead there is enough space, and there will be no close to anyone. Front seats wonderful. There is a lot of place behind the place, and the landing is not bad, although the sofa itself is unnecessarily flat.
But what happiness, after numerous studies of the functions of the handles and the buttons of competitors, to see a simple and unused clear shield with a console! Maybe someone these forms will seem unscrupulous or rustic. I also care the car, which does not cause additional mysteries and complex calculations of the type if you press this key up two times, then turn one thing counterclockwise by half a click, it turns off this ill-fated cold stream directly to the scoreboard, and finally starts By blowing frozen legs ...
In Volvo, everything is simple and understandable. The shield is better not invent. Four familiar donel to the device, highlighted with a smooth green light. The route computer screen constantly shows the average consumption or residue in the tank. No agreements (like i agree) or it is not required through the menu. Buttons and handles are grouped by functions, which does not cause to be distracted from the road. Long live such a simplicity that, believe me, in this case is better than theft!
The only minus inside can be considered not entirely convenient handling stroke, while the box of the selector of the box is opened. Among other things, from the left side of the console leaves the otmnaya strika holder. The third in the account (two more in the armrest). And Volvo has the most comfortable head restraints.
In terms of visibility, the Swedes are doing well with a single amendment. The greatest large car made constantly make sure that he really stretches forward and forth a few more expected.
Dynamics and handling
The Japanese are able to build rapid cars. If it happens unthinkable, and the talent to make light and rapid devices will fuse, Honda will always remain. Even the most ordinary liter Civic is always a hot hatchback. What to talk about the 190th strong chord. Of the four of our ACCORD machines, a frank sports and incendiary projectile for the Sorvigolov. Or a wonderful vehicle for forever late.
On such trifles, as a tangible vibration capacity of the front of the machine, weak soundproofing of doors or frankly exploratory behavior at the slightest passage with the gas in turn here is not accepted here. Just like on strange and sudden trifles on, first glance, quite tough and energy-intensive suspension. Honda only for good roads? For the leading in this class, dynamic comfort would like more. Breaker Japanese in full compliance with acceleration dynamics.
But it is amazing and superfast shoots when necessary. And always has a sharp predictable steering wheel. Well, this is Honda you will say. And you will be absolutely right!
Losing a Japanese woman in acceleration to one hundred and a half seconds, Opel is subjectively accepted only a little worse. Its box is as easy and quickly disperses the transfer. The engine instantly and exactly with the expected dose speeds up the car.
In this case, everything happens noticeably softer and quieter. Partly affects the difference in weight, but more good sound and vibration insulation.
As a part of the controllability, Vectra is a golden middleness between informative (and, it became transmitting all the nuances of the movement of the front wheels) and a comfortable steering wheel. Opel also responds to the excess thrust of Opel, but not so pronounced as Honda. A little alarmed brakes. Compared to competitors, Opel sometimes demanded them to appreciate.
In general, all participants in the test characterized the rolling qualities of the Vectra quite positively. Solid good.
The most impressive externally, Volvo and on the road demonstrates thoroughness and solidity. We had a weak (stosorokasyl) version of the engine with a volume of 2.4 l honestly and without a special strain, accelerated the easiest of the tested car. At the same time, silence and calm reign inside the Swedish car. And even impressive irregularities are not particularly disturbing the hot guy, and this is especially valuable, given the status of possible persons in the back seat.
The S60 slows down is also easy, and taxes and that is suppressed. Even too. If on the track a good feeling of zero is present, then when maneuvering with low speed, the steering wheel becomes amazingly easy without the slightest feedback. It is quite possible, the personal driver whose hand is tired, it will delight. We were alerted. Although, repeat, this does not affect the speed.
Volvo does not easily enter the muzzle in turn during an excess of thrust, and the electronics very carefully corrects the driver. Nothing annoying in this car, and it stands dear!
Dynamics of the 407th left a twofold impression. On the one hand, there are no situations when the motor did not have enough. The thrust is powerful in the entire range, and the box works canceled. On the other hand, the gas pedal at the very beginning of the stroke is some sector, which is empty. Pent a little bit of overclocking. Even a little, the pace does not change. Smell a little more! And went well! But why not in time?
Better than all described this process Leonid Deduch: you give not going. You still give, and she jumps, Aki Leo .... There would be a lot of gas to add a little superstitude. The speaker would have won great. Peugeot brakes are also powerful and with good feedback.
Mondaining the peugeot helicast pendants with levers ahead and behind and waiting for some trick from these unusual schemes, we gladly noted that in this case the designers did not go for nothing for complication.
The main plus of lever suspensions is constant wheel position relative to the road at any time manifests itself in the 407th full! There is no such pit or a lying policeman who would be able to bring down the French course from the course. But the most amazing peugeot pendant is the mild of all. Comfort, comfort and comfort again!
For those who want to toughen the reaction of the machine, there is a button on a beard, switching shock absorbers in Sport mode. No serious tanning suspension occurs, the taxiing remains almost the same. Only the rolls disappear, and each irregularity begins to surrender in the cabin with a loud bams. Lovers of sports settings This mode may enjoy it, we appreciated the comfort of the suspension in the standard. At the same time, a clear zero is constantly present on the steering wheel and there are no unnecessary reverse reactions.
Contrary to my expectations, all participating in the test unanimously recognized Peugeot the most quiet car. Perhaps the expensive version has better sound insulation. One is good on this French did not save. By the way, multi-layer side windows are offered as an option.
Special attention deserves a corporate long nose of cars. Contrary to the expected injury to its high borders and ice boulders, nothing like has happened. First, because his advanced position still does not go beyond the face of reasonable. And secondly, the bottom of the front bumper, unlike rivals in the test, peugeot is edged with soft and easily separated plastic. It is easy to rush into place if he jumps out, and he protects the bumper itself from unauthorized exposure. All this, however, does not mean that they can be labeled ice bulk.
From the point of view of gasoline's consumption, volvo was unconditional leader in terms of savings. Opel also pleased with moderate appetite, which cannot be said about Honda and Peugeot. However, for a mark of 15 liters per hundred with intensive movement, none of the contestants came out, which is already not bad.
All deserved
Evaluating all the qualities of four cars, comparing them with the price of the question and trying to be objective, we made the following conclusions.
The first place for the amount of impressions confidently came out the Volvo S60 car spacious, the most harmonious, convenient and deprived of any serious miscalculations. Definition This Swedish quality is completely applied to it. It is for that, as well as, given the adequate price, Volvo cars deservedly have persistent fans.
The second, thanks to exceptional comfort when driving, ease of control, high level of all sorts of security and bright appearance, followed by Peugeot 407. The Frenchwoman managed to chant us in congenital charm and, lulling, to gently remove suspicions in the imperfection of the original solutions of this lioness.
Third deservedly announced Honda Accord. Perhaps the rise above did not allow a slightly higher price and genetic samurai sharpness in everything. Although, if without it, then this is not Honda.
The lengthened Opel literally, to my big one personally regret, was last place. And this is despite the fact that he is the cheapest from the fourth and still has German (read, the best) car roots. It's a shame that the impression of obedient, economical, spacious, in one word good car, spoil, maybe not very serious, but very numerous little things. And in our case, like the investigator, it does not happen. Literally a dozen minor improvements, and the car in such a comparison would move into two or three positions above.
But we must write about what we see today. Although we hope for the best tomorrow.
text: Evgeny Hapov, photo: Leonid Deduch
 

A source: Cars