Michael McAleer puts the sporty new Opel Vectra through its paces atMondello Park
Think Opel Vectra and most people will immediately associate it with sales reps or car rentals. Certainly a firm favourite with the fleet managers, even the new version has become a common sight on Irish roads since its launch earlier this year.
However, consider aforementioned sales rep behind the wheel of a 3.2-litre 211 bhp V6 and perhaps you may rethink taking that trip to town.
Fear not, it's unlikely that many firms will upgrade their fleets to include this, the fastest-ever volume production car from Opel.
The most immediate features of the new Vectra GTS is the fact that it does not scream performance version upon first sighting. There are no excessive spoilers, go-fast stripes or suchlike.
The only telltale signs of the GTS are the extended "power scoop" airdam under the front number-plate and the darkened "stacked" headlamps.
Available in two engine options, a 1.8-litre 122 bhp unit and the more powerful 3.2-litre 211 bhp ECOTEC V6, the two new cars offer 0-62 mph in 11.2 seconds and 7.4 seconds respectively. The top-of-the-range car can be specified with a new five-speed adaptive automatic transmission, with "tiptronic" control on the steering wheel.
Thankfully, accompanying all that added power is a profusion of electronic wizardry that manages to keep over-enthusiastic motorists from rushing towards the ditches and oncoming traffic.
To prove their point Opel brought us to Mondello Park racing circuit to put them to the test. Here, under expert supervision, we were invited to push the cars beyond their cornering limits on the skid pan and witness how these complicated technical abbreviations can be summarised into one simple phrase: safer motoring.
Among the electronic additions is Cornering Brake Control, which regulates the braking of individual wheels when it senses the car may fly out of control. In reality this means that when it feels the car may slide or understeer it adjusts the brakes individually and gets you through the bend in one piece.
Having driven the normal Vectra without the brake control, and experienced the tyre screeching and sliding, we were most impressed by the device's ability to keep us in line.
Another feature is the Electronic Stability Programme, which combines improvements in the suspension and chassis, along with the ABS, to take control of a car when the driver has tried to defy basic physics.
Prices vary from €29,150 to €44,160 and it comes in Sport and Elegance specifications. Next up in the Vectra range will be the wagon version and the Signum, both due to arrive here next year.