Vauxhall Vectra Saloon (05-08) - Review

Apart from some subtle improvements to the ride the Vectra remains one of the most comfortable cars in its class. A company car favourite, it is designed to cover big miles in comfort and this it manages with ease - the seats are comfortable, although those in the front could do with more support and the ride is excellent. The Vectra will take five adults with little complaint and air conditioning and electric front windows are standard on entry level models. Engines are refined on the whole, particularly the 2.2i petrol engine, with little wind noise on the motorway.

The Vectra saloon is up there with the best in class for practicality with a 500-litre boot capacity - which strangely is identical to the hatchback version. However even though the seats fold down it's not as easy to carry large or bulky items compared to the five-door model. Up front there's a lack of stowage too - the door pockets are narrow and the twin cupholders are pointlessly shallow.

Sitting in the driver's seat of the Vectra does little to inspire - the interior is dominated by acres of grey plastics and the slabby design is far from attractive. The steering wheel isn't particularly pleasant to hold and the indicator controls have an annoying one touch system that's overly sensitive. However the worst aspect is the central console with it's poor button layout, especially the air conditioning controls which are too low down. The quality of some of the materials doesn't feel particularly good either but at least the fit and finish appear to be up to scratch.