Hero of its class; Powerful diesel powerplant takes Vectra SRi to a new level, writes BRUCE BOOTH.

Byline: BRUCE BOOTH

NOW it wasn't so long ago that I was singing the praises of Vauxhall's range-topping 160+mph Vectra VRX.

OK, it was a tad noisy for an old semi-retired hack like yours truly, but you've got to admit it is a serious piece of kit that comes in at a more-than-affordable price.

Now while I thought Vauxhall would have a bit of a job on their hands to move things up a level, I think they may have already done so.

For I have just spent some time with its cheaper - but slower - SRi sibling, and as far as I'm concerned, this one knocks the spots off the superquick 2.8-litre turbocharged V6.

More in tune to my tastes, the SRi has a three-litre turbo diesel engine honed under the bonnet, and although it doesn't have the whopping kick and blistering pace of the flagship VXR, it is still a fiesty machine in its own right.

The performance figures speak for themselves. A top speed of 143mph - more than enough unless you are thinking of taking the car onto a race track.

An impressive 184bhp with a massive 290lb/ft of pulling power from as low as 1900revs, ideal for towing and safe overtaking.

But, believe me, it gets better. How about a combined fuel consumption figure of more than 40mph.

Look at the specification sheet and it's hard to spot any differences, except that you can't get the option of leather upholstery or climate control.

However, everything else is there. Power steering, ESP, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, CD sound system and an array of front and side airbags.

Out on the road, the SRi performs brilliantly. Offering a firm but not overly hard ride, you are however, left in no doubt that this is a pretty capable performance machine.

Thanks to its lowered sports suspension, the Vectra hugs the corners like it's on rails, but even after a few hours at the wheel on those longer journeys, thanks to supportive sports front seats, you don't have to start looking around for a chiropractor to get your back back into shape.

At just a shade over pounds 22 grand the SRi Hatch is a superb family transporter, with room for five adults and 500 litres of luggage when all the seats are in place.

And while it does the business it also looks the business, its tinted glass and darkened headlamps and tail lights and body-coloured rear spoiler helping distinguish it from the rest of the Vectra range.

Factfile

Model: Vauxhall Vectra SRi CDTi

Engine: Three-litre turodiesel

Power: 181bhp

Top speed: 140mph

Fuel economy: 40.9mpg

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles

Price: pounds 22,265

On sale: Now