Opel Vectra 1.8

Opel's Vectra 1.8 may be an entry-level model, but it punches above its engine class.

What's New
When Opel launched the facelifted Vectra locally there was only the 2.2-litre GTS version available. It drove well for a family sedan in its class and was notably better than the old car, with tauter handling and its improved manners on rough surfaces. The cabin felt more expensive too, with a new dashboard design and materials.

But some buyers are bound to want a smaller-engined Vectra with less emphasis on performance, which is where the more affordable 1.8 variant comes in. It sits underneath the GTS as an entry-level model, and sells for about $10,000 less.

Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder is an all-new powerplant. Also recently introduced in the Zafira, it has a variable-valve timing system for more horsepower and better fuel efficiency than Opel's last 1.8-litre. In fact, the unit pumps out 140bhp, which is 15bhp more than the engine it replaces (and only 7bhp shy of what the GTS' 2.2-litre musters).

Crucially for our market, while the 2.2 GTS only comes in a five-door bodystyle, the entry-level Vectra is exclusively available as a sedan.

How it Performs
Moving off from stationary, there's some sluggishness when you accelerate lightly, although the new powerplant is surprisingly silky and muted at low speeds. Depress the accelerator deeply, however, and the car surges forward with commendable gusto up to its 6,500rpm maximum. The engine does get a bit noisy and rough above 4,500rpm though.

A five-speed semi-automatic gearbox known as Easytronic is mated to the engine. Unlike a conventional auto transmission that relies on torque converter, the Easytronic still uses a clutch and a normal synchromesh gearset, but there are hydraulics to operate them, so there's no clutch pedal, and no need to steer a gearlever though an H-gate.

It takes a bit of practice to get the Easytronic to perform smoothly and the trick to it is to ease off the throttle just before the gearbox swaps to a higher gear. In manual mode however, the Easytronic works wonderfully. It reacts instantly to your hand's commands and automatically blips the throttle during downshifts to provide a seamless gearchange.

Around corners, grip is plentiful but the Vectra could do with less body-roll and more steering feel. Braking duties are performed by a four-disc set-up, which is powerful and easy to modulate.

No complaints about the cabin, though. As in the more expensive GTS, there are nice plastics, supportive leather seats and excellent build quality. We liked the steering-mounted audio controls and rear air-con vents, too.

How it Stacks Up
At $81,688 with COE, the Vectra 1.8 is up against the Ford Mondeo 2.0 and Peugeot 407 2.0. Among the three, the Vectra should stand out for its first-class build quality and understated styling.

The improved chassis has made it a better car to drive than before, too, while the all-new 1.8-litre engine is likeable despite the minor niggles. All in all, the Opel Vectra 1.8 feels more expensive than the price suggests and it deserves to be in your shopping list if you're in the market for a European family sedan around $80,000.

Technical Specifications

MODEL Opel Vectra 1.8 (A) ENGINE Engine: 1796cc, 16-valve in-line 4 Max Power: 140bhp at 6,300rpm Max Torque: 175Nm at 3,800rpm TRANSMISSION 5-speed semi-automatic TOP SPEED 207km/h 0-100km/h 12.5s