Test drive Opel Vectra sedan 2002 - 2005 sedan
Down with stereotypes!
Ask the car enthusiasts what they think about the Opel brand, and you will surely hear not too benevolent reviews like: Opel is a German Muscovite (an extremely flattering comparison for AZLK products). Or: Sopelems will not be called a good car. I repent, I also treated these cars quite cold - before meeting with the new Opel Vectra.
The body of the new Vectra develops ideas implemented in Astra design. The intersections of almost flat surfaces, verified strict edges. A massive sidewall, a high window sill and sharply chopped feed give the appearance of thoroughness, outwardly the car pulls the class above. People came up to me in the parking lot and refueling several times - they were interested in whether this is the new Omega. The interior also did not disappoint (however, the machine provided was in the top configuration), I especially want to note the very high quality of the decoration and fitting of parts. I am satisfied in the chair - it has optimal rigidity and good side support, is equipped with electro -regulations in all directions and memory in three positions. I managed to fit the seat the first time - I did not return to this anymore.
I really liked the skin sheathed with the skin - the perfect combination of diameter and cross -section. On the knitting needles, there are ergonomically located the control buttons of the audio system and cruise control. A traditional set of responsibilities is assigned to the steering wheel switches, while they are made intellectual - without fixed positions. He slightly touched the left lever - the turn signals sprayed a short series of flashes, pressed it stronger - they work constantly until you start turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction after the maneuver. A trifle in general, but nice.
But the instrument shield, in my opinion, disappeared somewhat. No, it is convenient and provides all the necessary information (speed, speed, engine temperature and fuel supply), but it is painfully simple - a flat panel, on which scales and numbers are applied. Designers seemed to have exhausted their imagination. At the top, on the central part of the torpedo there is a small computer screen that issues the information necessary on the way - fuel consumption, mileage, marching, etc., as well as data on setting up the climatic system. The computer control is concentrated mainly on the end of the right -wing steering switch. Below, on the central console, there is a Philips music integrated into the panel with a cassette receiver and a four disc cd changer. The sound of the apparatus will fully satisfy the not too attractive listener, if you want more, you will have to go to serious expenses associated with the alteration of the central console. The microclimate control unit with separate temperature control for the driver and the front passenger is even lower. Pressing on the central rotating pen, the head of the fan revolutions, you find yourself in the settings of the climate system settings, with which you can organize a necessary air flows in a necessary way.
On the central tunnel there is a selector of an automatic box having a manual control mode - a lever in position D needs to be served to the right, and then, pumping it forward or backward, select the desired gear. The company calls this system Active Select. The new Vectra, I must say, was not offended by electronics - in addition to the already familiar APS and ABS, as well as the system for maintaining exchange rate stability, there is an emergency braking amplifier (Brake Assist), a system for redistributing brake force between the axes (EBD) and the braking control system (CBC) .
The rear doors are wide and, not as an example, most competitors of the new Vectra, are high, so passengers who take their places will not have to be much bend. A high roof in the back provides a supply of free space above the head. The seat is obedient for two, there is an armrest, nevertheless, there are also three places in the shoulders with comfort. Due to the high stern, the trunk has a serious volume - 500 liters, and if you fold the rear seat, then it will double. Let's take care of the main thing. The key to the start - and go. The 2.2-liter engine is quite easily coping with the acceleration of the machine, but a somewhat thoughtful automaton spoils the picture. Therefore, I take the function of choosing programs, transferring the box to manual control mode. So much more fun, you can switch when approaching the red zone (if the driver hesitates, this will make electronics), but it is especially convenient to brake before turning - to switch to low gears, forcing the machine to slow down the engine.
Vectra behaves exemplary on turns. Surprisingly - the rotation is almost neutral, and a slight skid arises under the discharge of gas, perfectly controlled. This, of course, is the merit of the suspension. Perhaps she will seem harsh to someone, but her characteristics seem almost perfect to me. All small irregularities are passing smoothly and silently, and serious are worked out very hard, without the slightest hint of breakdown - there is a good progressive characteristic. There are no strong rolls in the turns, the steering with excellent feedback provides complete understanding with the machine. After a short time, you are already confident in it, as in yourself, and you feel a strong desire to quickly get out on some kind of winding track (preferably with a mechanical box).
The brakes are highly effective, the combination of the pedal and the effort on it is optimal. However, taking into account the capabilities provided by the suspension, the brakes may not be enough. ABS was pleased with late inclusion - even in corners (thanks to the CBC system), but only on irregularities begins to act early. In general, the new Opel Vectra turned out to be fame, and if you manage to break the consumer stereotype, it can become a sales leader in its class. Prices, by the way, start with a 1.8-liter engine for a car with $ 18.790. Having visited our test will cost $ 30.660.
Text: Alexander Nadens
A source: Motor magazine [No. 10/2002]
