Opel wants us to sit up and take notice when we write about its new Vectra. That's why it has put something special in the line-up of its family and fleet standard-bearer, writes Andrew Hamilton
The Vectra GTS, according to the company, will be "the fastest Opel of all time."
With rear doors but coupé styling, Vectra GTS takes to Irish roads in the autumn. It comes with a 3.2 litre V6 Ecotec engine developing 211 bhp. Top speed is 155 mph, and it will sprint from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds.
The GTS stands out from its more everyday siblings with more responsive power steering and a lowered body giving it the handling and driving characteristics of a sports car.
For Iede Aukema, managing director of Opel Ireland, it will give the Vectra greater attention among younger buyers. More appealing for Irish tastes, he thinks, is the 1.8 litre version with 122bhp. A 2.0 litre engine will be introduced in early 2003.