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S. Muralidhar

GENERAL Motors' cars are keenly awaited, and on most occasions the wait is worth it. After a hiatus of more than a year, General Motors India (GMI) has brought a new product to the market, and the wait was definitely worth it.

Continuing the extension of its first car brand, Opel, GMI has introduced the third model under the brand. However, the new Opel Vectra is targeted at the luxury car buyer, unlike its predecessors in the mid-size segment. This will also be the latest variant of the Vectra, which is sold as the Vauxhall Vectra in the UK. GMI is first introducing a petrol version, and plans to put out a diesel version and an automatic transmission variant later. All these cars are to be imported from the Opel plant in Germany as CBUs (completely built units). The latest generation Vectra, will, dimensionally, be in the league of the Ford Mondeo and the Honda Accord.

Keeping its cue on the company's technological superiority, GM has loaded the Vectra with a number of advanced features. The key feature of the car is the interactive driving system, which is said to combine the improved control and safety functions of the individual chassis components — for improved safety and drive quality. The Vectra's interactive driving system connects other features, such as the performance map-controlled electro-hydraulic steering, which proactively assists in steering the car with more ease at lower speeds and with higher accuracy during high speed travel. The new drive system also integrates the electronic braking functions of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in the car. The ABS is assisted by an electronic brake force distribution system, cornering brake control to deter skidding and a full-function traction control system.

The car's advanced management system keeps a tab on another critical parameter. The tyre pressure monitoring system in the car constantly checks the tyre pressure using sensors mounted on the insides of the wheels.

The petrol Vectra is powered by the company's 2.2 litre ECOTEC engine. This powertrain develops 147 bhp and allows the car to achieve a top speed of about 216 km an hour. The engine is also environment-friendly and complies with Euro IV emission norms.

Externally, the new generation Vectra is a radically different breed for the otherwise sedate Opel brand. Starting with the two-level clear-glass headlamps — which makes the Vectra look chunkier, muscular and self-confident — the other features too exude the new style theme of this Opel. Large wrap-around tail-lights dominate the rear view and culminate in the wide shoulder line. While a prominent stainless steel strip at the bottom of the trunk lid provides the impression of width and stability, there is no chrome sticking out under the bumper. The exhaust pipe is completely hidden in the new Vectra. The safety features that come with the Vectra are improved active head restraints on the front seats for better whiplash protection, full-size front and side airbags in the front, three-point automatic belts for all seats, belt tensioners on the four outer seats and the Pedal Release System patented by Opel. Under the Pedal Release System, the brake and clutch pedals are automatically released in a severe impact to protect the driver from injuries to the feet and lower legs.

GM has also focussed on driver comfort and some of the other features that have been incorporated, include the remote-controlled central locking for the doors and trunk, in-dash four CD player, power windows, tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, heated power door mirrors, electronic climate control and in-car computer with check control system, an eight-way driver and co-driver seat and a rear air-conditioner blower.

Outside Europe, India is only the second country after Japan where the new Vectra is being launched. The new luxury car will be unveiled at select Opel dealerships across the country from January 9. While the company has not announced the on-road price of the car, it is expected to be in the region of Rs 18 lakh.

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Opel Vectra: Worth the wait

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