Life 1.8i 16v 5dr Hatchback

Family Car - Does the job

As a previous owner of a Cavalier (1.8i K-Reg) and a Vectra (1.8i P-Reg) I was very surprised by the Vectra C. I was expecting a repeat performance (or rather lack of performance) of the B but this did not turn out to be the case.
Size matters, well yes the boot at 550 litres or a massive 750 with the seats folded is incredibly useful. I have carried two children and three bikes inside the car with the seats split.
Good for those monthly trips to the local recycling depot.

In terms of ride - best for the long stretches on the motorway.
If you take it round some nice bendy A roads you might end up with some motion sick people in the back. I believe the facelift 2005+ models for the UK have a stiffer rear suspension setup. If so I would hate to try the earlier one.

Insurance is much cheaper that the old B version which came in at group 12 ...now down to group 7.

Bought it through a Network Q dealer and have been happy with after sales and recall work . Yes I had the hand brake done and yes it slipped once.

Overall not exciting, but then neither am I ...

Servicing cost do seem a little high if all the pads discs and tyres need replacing at the same time. So far had one breakdown.....flat battery....

Handling after having a blow-out at motorway speeds on the rear offside tyre was excellent !
Even though the tyre had shredded by the time I could stop safely the car felt secure and safe.

(Interestingly had a similar experience with the Cavalier.....)


So if you want a reasonable car to ferry kids (not too many) and stuff (lots) and you are not that exciting this is a good bet.

Report as offensive