Vauxhall has today released the first official pictures of the car that will take on the Ford Mondeo head-to-head in the upper medium sector, the new Vectra, which will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2002.

With styling points, which Vauxhall says points the way ahead for future product design, the car is bigger in all respects to the car it replaces, higher, longer, wider and offering more passenger space. The new Vectra will be launched as a four-door saloon and five-door hatchback and with four-cylinder Ecotec petrol engines and diesels. Vauxhall will offer a five-speed auto transmission with a manual shift function for the first time.

The range will be extended later.

The new Interactive Driving System (IDS), on which the Vectra is based, incorporates a new multi-link rear axle and electro-hydraulic power steering. Safety is increased by ESP, a new electronic stability programme.

Front, side and full-size curtain airbags, Vauxhall's pedal release system and improved active head restraints will be standard.

Production will start in January at Russelsheim and will be shared with Ellesmere Port. Under the 'flex' production plan, the hatchback model will be built at Ellesmere Port, following a £200m.

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