The Ellesmere Port-built 3.2-litre V6 is the biggest engine available in the new Vectra range, and places the car above what was recognised as the usual stamping ground of the previous UK rep's delight. This is a sophisticated engine, also exported from GM Europe's specialist V6 plant on Merseyside to Cadillac in the States. As part of the plan to reduce the weight which would otherwise loom over the Vectra's front axle, it's fitted with a magnesium intake manifold lighter than the equivalent aluminium unit. Even though the new Vectra has already been given a wider choice of powertrains than its predecessor, that process isn't anything like complete. Early next year a turbocharged two-litre petrol engine and a three-litre V6 turbo diesel will be added, and this autumn we've to expect the arrival of a six-hold CVT transmission. Well, the 3.2 Elite with manual transmission will do rather well as the almost but not quite top model of the 20-plus available from launch. It's £30 less expensive than the equivalent GSi, but that's more of a sporting saloon than a gentleman's carriage appropriate to the Elite name. Actually, it's slightly disappointing to realise that you can get the Elite trim with every one of the five launch engines, which means sharing the name with the peasants who run a 1.8. The Elite specification upgrades the one-step-down Elegance to the extent of having 17" instead of 16" alloy wheels, electronic climate control, rather smart-looking leather upholstery and heated front seats. Elites with the 3.2-litre engine are the only ones on the list with the benefit of Vauxhall's latest electronic stability programme. This doesn't just apply safety braking to the inner rear wheel when the driver gets close to the ragged edge of handling, as was the case with the previous system, but can brake up to three wheels out of the four. Do not feel obliged to try this at home. Of course, the new Vectra is technically well-equipped right from the entry-level LS. Electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, traction control, brake assist, cruise control, rain-sensor wipers and so on are standard throughout the range, except that the 1.8-litre models don't get, or have as much need for, traction control. Elites have a fold-flat front passenger seat as well as plenty of stowage areas, including some nifty arrangements for the centre armrests front and rear. Eight-way driver's seat adjustment plus rake and reach adjustments for the steering wheel mean that, if you take a little time over the job, it's easy to find a tailor-made position at the wheel. I'm still quite taken by the improved instrumentation and push-button design, as well as by the self-levelling action of the indicator stalk. But earlier doubts about the uncompromising right angle where the wood effect trim strip on the lower part of the fascia meets the one on the door panel remain. While the smaller-engined models are right up with the best in their class for rear seat space, you'd expect to have plenty of it anyway in a 3.2-litre. Driving about in the test car, and not just for that reason, but thinking of the generous luggage space and other features as well, the question did hover around: precisely what, now, is the point of the Omega? The 3.2 shares the new chassis set-up and electro-hydraulic steering standard elsewhere in the range, but in character it's more of a long-distance cruiser than a car to chuck around the lanes. It won't object to a fair amount of that treatment, although there's a lot of extra power there, and when muscled about on minor roads the V6 does feel quite sizeable. The ride quality remains impressive, though. Of course, the Elite V6 is designed, presented, promoted and marketed as a smooth main-road cruiser. That's where it's in its element, eating up the miles on a journey of more substance than simply nipping round to the post office. But there's very strong acceleration too, as the 0-60mph time makes clear, and the top speed is right up to the maximum autobahn advisory figure. On a UK motorway cruise, the 3.2 has plenty in reserve. Altogether, this does feel like the top luxury version in a well thought-out range. What it doesn't feel like, or perform like, or drive like, or look like inside or out, is a pre-summer 2002 Vectra. Engine 3175cc, 6 cylinders Power 208bhp Fuel/CO2 27.9mpg / 243g/km Acceleration 0-60mph: 7.0 seconds Top speed 155mph Price £20,950 Details correct at publication date
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