The snappy hatch

Above: The Holden Vectra CDXi hatch is an Australian version of a rugged European workhorse.

Inside the Vectra CDXi ... plenty of styling and electronic aids to assist the driver.

WE'RE trying a different style for future motoring columns and we would be interested in your feedback via e-mail: ken.llewelyn@defence.gov.au

Motorcycling has always been my first love and now the weather is improving in Canberra I'm putting a few km on my Triumph Trident 900.

When the bikes are available I want to sample some of the new models hitting the showrooms.

Last month I tested the Rover 75 which is selling for just under $50,000 and for comparison in this issue I'm sampling the new Holden Vectra CDXi which is selling just shy of $48,000.

Holden Vectra CDXi.

Background:

The Vectra has been around for quite some time. The early UK-built Vauxhall models were the favoured cars for salesmen who sped up the motorways at highly illegal speeds.

Vectras developed a reputation as a rugged and reliable workhorse which was not too heavy on the wallet. Holden saw the potential in the medium-sized sedan and Australianised the European product.

Equipping the first models with a 2.2 litre four and giving it a suspension workover, the Vectra has won many local fans.

Now Holden has taken a giant step forward with the introduction of the much-improved and much larger Vectra range.

Prices for the 2.2-litre four sedan start at $35,990 to the top of the range hatch at $47,990 - a model that will impinge on Holden's own Commodore sales.

Safety:
Great safety package; equipped with the latest Electronic Stability Program. Also has cornering brake control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and emergency brake assist. In the case of an accident head restraints move up and forward to meet the head to minimise whiplash. Front and side airbags are standard.

How much:
CDXi hatch 3.2 litre V6 $47,990
0-100 kph 7.5 secs
Top Speed 240 kph plus
Anticipated economy 11.5 l/100kms
CDX hatch 3.2 litre V6 $43,990
CD sedan 2.2 litre 4 $34,990
CD hatch 2.2 litre 4 $35,990

Warranty: Three years or 100,000km

Negatives:
One of the hard questions to answer: will this very attractive Euro package find a niche market proudly displaying a Holden badge when status-conscious owners often look towards BMW, Audi or Mercedes to satisfy their driving egos.

The back seat was not the most comfortable and broken surfaces occasionally unsettled the car. And on the test car, tyre noise was noticeable and I did find the electronic throttle gave the car a slightly "lurchy" feel during on/off throttle movements.

Suspension/steering/brakes:
McPherson struts at the front and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension give an outstanding, albeit firm, handling package.

I found it did get unsettled when pushed hard on broken surfaces. I also found the steering reasonably weighted but it doesn't have the Alfa feel when pushed hard.

The four-wheel disc brakes were superb.

Comfort/goodies:
Supportive, heated leather seats in the front, six-stacker Blaupunkt audio system with nine speakers, easy-to-use cruise control, electronic dual zone air conditioning with pollen filters (necessary for hay-fever sufferers like me) and a very modern dash layout with a comprehensive screen display.

Why put it in your garage:
The CDXi hatch is Opel-designed and British built. The top-of-the-range model has been given sports suspension and equipped with all the electronic aids to assist the wayward driver.

It is a beautifully styled, well-made roomy hatch that takes advantage of all the latest goodies. Excellent boot space, lockable ski hatch and the seats fold down to give space for two mountain bikes.

Summary:
The CDXi has a low-drag, cutting-edge body design. It is reasonably priced, considering the equipment level, and in my opinion, is one of the best cars in the current Holden stable.

The 3.2 litre six is a powerful unit and on good surfaces the CDXi has outstanding road holding. It is not going to be a volume seller (Holden anticipates 4000 units for 2003) but I expect discerning motorists will be very happy to have the snappy hatch in their garage. For my money, the CDX hatch with slightly fewer goodies is the bargain buy.

Competition:
Apart from last month's Rover 75 there is plenty of competition in the mid-40s to mid-50s price bracket. Competitors in this price range include the Mercedes C180K, Minis Cooper S, VW Bora, Jaguar 2.1 X Type V6, Volvo 2.4 S60, Saab 9-3 (1.8 litre Turbo), Honda Accord V6, Alfa 156, Audi A3s and A4s, top of the line Subaru Liberty. Even the luxury Mazda 6 is more than $43,000.

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