Test drive Opel Vectra sedan 2002 - 2005 sedan
Opel-Rekord
In fact, this car has a completely different name, not so proud and peremptory. However, for the Opel brand, she became a real piggy bank of gold medals, quite deserved the right to gloriously called Rekord. It seems that the Olevites are ready to wear the GTS nameplate on the uniform or orders. And, if you judge sensibly, their ambitions are by no means groundless. The car came out very not forless, and even in relation to the price of the opportunity, I will not run forward about everything in order. At first glance, the Vectra GTS is an ordinary five -door hatchback of the Vectra family, which existed in previous generations of the model. But the difference, as they say, is still. The abbreviation of the GTS itself hints at a certain near sports of the car, which takes place in reality. Even outwardly, the hatchback looks much more energetic than the sedan. Yes, the pursuit of perfect aerodynamics (Cyn is 0.28) turned into the fact that in a number of angles the GTS frankly resembles the Audi six, but this similarity is unlikely to damage its image. By the way, the IRMSCher court tuning studio masters were engaged in the styling of disks and body kit for the body: it is their efforts to GTS owed the original front bumper with substetricians imitating the elements of the cooling mechanism cooling system. The clearance is underestimated by 20 mm, tires honorary Pirelli P Zero for 16 inches. The feed of the machine, crowned with tinted optics and two exhaust pipes, also looks organically menacing.
Of the entire palette of engines for Russia, two were selected: 2.2-liter about 147 horsepower and 211-horsepower V6. The transmission is either a mechanical or sequential Active Select automatic. A six -cylinder GTS with mechanics is, no less, the fastest car in the history of the Opel brand. Neither elegant Calibra nor expressive Speedster is able to keep up with it. At least in the autobahn. Here is such a record Opel and you see in the pictures. Another subject of pride of the company interactive chassis IDS (Interactive Driving System). This is a complex electron-mechanical complex, which includes a specially-minded suspension, an electro-hydraulic steering EHPS steering and a number of interconnected active security systems. Among them are the last generation system ESP Plus, the braking system in the CBC turns and the TC Plus antibox system. IDS controls many parameters, including the dynamics of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, as well as acceleration of the car in various planes, and in accordance with the instant situation adjusts the settings of control electronics. Everything is in perfect order and with passive safety: six pillows and active head restraints that prevent neck and head injuries. To be absolutely correct, I will mention several more important points of equipping our GTS, namely xenon, climate control and parking sensors.
A few words about the interior. The car is good and emphasized modest. With such a high quality of materials, this modesty takes the character demonstrative, Opel boasts of its democracy. Like yes, yes, I know who I am, I know my place, and I do not pretend to BMW laurels. This also applies to the general restraint of the design, and deliberately practical combined seats, and the inexpressive display of the on -board computer with its small icons. At the same time, the level of study of parts is the highest. The seats are canceled, the steering wheel is simply magnificent, each handle is equipped with a microlift. The windows of the rear doors open completely, it is very rare today. The lever of the checkpoint in Opelvsky will be shifted back, but at least not as clinically as on the Aster. There are also misses where without them. The back of the rear seat folds in parts, but the pillow is made whole, which is why the floor of the luggage compartment is uneven. I can’t get used to three times cursed by the whole autopress unfixed steering wheel switches. They work unpredictably, so it is easier not to touch them at all and maneuver in the stream of a wagon. Well, the full-time audio system with its nine speakers sounds extremely weak, turning even the brightest compositions into black and white mooing.
If GTS has problems with the reproduction of someone else's music, then there are no own execution. The sound of the engine is truly beautiful, after 3000 rpm, becoming juicy, arrogant, incendiary. And it is fully consistent with the nature of the motor, which only does what demonstrates strength, flexibility and ease of rise. The hitch arises only once at the start, when the lack of torque is aggravated by the sloppy drive sluggish. Then everything goes like clockwork. The craving at any speed is brutal, the responsiveness of the engine is beyond praise. The car is tearing from under you with a bravado hundred thousandthollar sports car, forcing the anti-boom system to work in the sweat of the face. Yes, apparently, the 3.2-liter motor fully realizes the chassis capabilities. No matter what they say, but to feel a clear excess of power and the moment special pleasure! GTS is especially good on the highway. The car is not only fast and reliable, but also quiet. The speed range of psychological and physical comfort is from 140 to 180 km/h. Falling flight without any tension! Special thanks to a wonderful suspension that smooths out all the irregularities of the canvas and does not allow the buildup of the body. Moreover, in the city, its energy intensity is more than enough.
Do you assume that at least with handling here not everything is smooth? Being untruth! The accuracy and efficiency of reactions, information of feedback, meager rolls all with GTS. You trust the car, as yourself, communication with it is extremely pleasant. Balance Management smoothness is phenomenal! And, as this happens regularly, having got everything, you invariably begin to wish more. Style, or something, grace. And the GTS manners just does not get grace. At the limit, losing clutch with the road, the car trifles banally slipped sideways with an emphasis on the bow. And all you have no cunning steering, no struggle of suspension for the trajectory, one hope for electronics. Minimum excitement is continuous linearity. Despite the fact that both the stability and predictability of the machine in the hardest modes can be estimated exclusively by five points.
Stop-Stop-Stop. Is it not foolish to demand from a car generously giving so many joyful discoveries, some special experiences, second-order emotions? After all, the already Vectra GTS 3.2 is an excellent apparatus, a hundred percent hot hatchback of the D-class. And do not forget to look at the price list: cheaper seconds you still have to look for!
Autography
Opel Vectra GTS
Predecessor
Opel Vectra B Hatchback (1995)
Premiere
september 2002
Body
5-door hatchback
Engines
122-211 l. With.
Production
Germany
Expected replacement
2009-2010
The car is provided by General Motors CIS LLC.
Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Dmitry Mikhailov
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 73/2003]
