The opulent Opel Vectra
H. Kishie Singh

GENERAL Motors India (GMI) has brought out its latest car, Vectra. The manufacturers boast of some of the latest hi-tech features that make this car a driver’s delight. The car features a third-generation 2.2 litre ECOTEC engine. This engine is known for its lowest possible emissions. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the car would be the interactive driving system (IDS). Through a number of sensors, the suspension, the brake and steering can respond to each other – they talk to each other! The suspension senses the road conditions, and the brakes and steering synchronise their functioning accordingly.

The electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) is intelligent enough to sense your driving speed i.e. while parking, when the steering is hardest, it works at its fullest and makes the steering light. At higher speeds when you need a better grip on the road, the steering needs an increased effort.

The normal ABS brakes have been further improved to offer cornering brake control (CBC). This means that each wheel has its own braking force. This helps in maintaining track stability at high-speed cornering.

Finally, the brakes work in conjunction with the engine. The traction control with engine and brake control ensures that the vehicle never loses grip on the road, at any speed, on any surface.

To make sure that tyres are always at proper inflation, a sensor informs the driver of any inconsistencies in the tyre pressure," Living in the electronic age, means being better prepared," say the Opel authorities.

Vectra is equipped with electronic climate control (ECC) with individual settings. A dual zone sun-load sensor determines the strength of the sun and aids the ECC in maintaining an optimum temperature. The heat- reflective windscreen prevents glare. It keeps the inside cool plus provides better vision to the driver. The driver’s seat has an eight-way seat adjustment. Complimented by the tilt and telescopic steering, anyone can find the perfect driving position.

Electronic levelling headlights have three settings vertically to compensate for gradients and load. The headlights are dual clear glass ellipsoid.

While being extremely fuel efficient and low on emissions, its 2.2-litre engine puts out 147 bhp.

All its body parts are galvanised on both sides to beat rust and other corrosion. Vectra carries a 5-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Surely, two of the most amazing and practical fitments are the front and rear park pilots. They sense obstacles at 2 feet and warn the driver. In reverse, they work automatically. The front sensors have to be activated manually by pressing a button.

Another fitment unique to Opel is the pedal release system. In a high-impact frontal collision, the pedals in the floorboards are released from their panel, reducing the danger to feet and legs.

The car has four full-sized front and side air bags and active head restraints. In case of a collision, the head restraints follow the motion of the neck and provide a cushion. These are standard fitments on the car.

As is to be expected, the interior provides luxury and comfort to the extreme. Cup-holders, vanity mirrors and cubbyholes for storage, in the roof and in the armrest are standard features.

Opel has always had one of the most effective and efficient anti-theft technology systems. It’s so good that it has been known to lock the owners out or in!

Vectra features a Generation-III Immobiliser. It jams the car locks electronically. The electronic ignition key also functions as a remote control for opening and closing doors. It can also roll the windows up or down. Complicated but very secure.

Say the Opel authorities, "We wanted to reflect the best of German engineering!"

General Motors India is a subsidiary of General Motors Corporation, which is the world’s largest automaker.