Vauxhall Vectra Saloon (05-08) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 08 August 2008
Originally launched in 2002 the Vauxhall Vectra underwent a mid-life revision in 2005 that included changes under the skin which made it better to drive. It also got a new look front end but unfortunately this did little to lift the anonymous looks. The cabin is just as plain with a slabby design that lacks style but even worse is the awful button layout on the centre console and the lack of storage. The changes to the chassis made it more composed on the move but while it's safe it lacks excitement and it's not as controlled or sophisticated as newer rivals like the Ford Mondeo. On the plus side it's comfortable on the motorway and there's some good diesel engines available. But with the hatchback available the saloon seems superfluous.
3 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

Apart from some heavy initial depreciation, and some outrageous pricing for the V6 diesel models, the Vectra is a decent performer in a class where the bar is not set particularly high. The Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord perform significantly better for depreciation but few others do. For the cheapest running costs go for a 1.8-litre petrol or 1.9 CDTi.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,574 - £1,753 *

Diesel

£1,308 - £1,602 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to dashboard indicator - up to 20,000 miles petrol, up to 30,000 miles diesel.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £250.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    154
  • H
  • I
  • J
    192
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Vectra is starting to show it's age and it doesn't perform particularly well on the eco front. The 2.8-litre model is the worse culprit with CO2 emissions of 262g/km. The greenest model is the 1.9 CDTi which emits 154g/km of CO2 and averages 50mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2