C'mon! Vauxhalls: 2006

Friday, 29 December 2006

Vauxhall Senator against Omega

The Vauxhall Senator A was a lengthened version of the Record E, complemented by a three door hatchback coupe version on the same platform called the Monza. The Senator E and Monza were initially sold in the uk as the Vauxhall Royale, as well as under their original names. The vehicle was also available in South Africa as the Chevrolet Senator, until 1982, when it was rebadged as an Opel. In the UK, a four wheel drive conversion was available, engineered by ferguson, who had also provided similar modifications for the Jensen Interceptor.
The original Senator and Monza were facelifted in 1982. In the UK, this model initially sold as an Opel, before being rebadged as a Vauxhall in 1984. The Monza continued to be sold as an Opel. A new model, the Senator B, arrived in 1987, a long wheelbase version of the Opel Omega (Vauxhall Carlton in the UK). There was no Monza equivalent. This model, and the Omega, formed the basis of the Holden VN Comodor in Australia, which used a stretched and widened platform. There were various versions of the Senator B available. The 12 valve 2.5 L and 3.0 L sized engines were released in 1987 along with a luxury (CD) model with the 3.0 L engine. The CD version boasted adjustable suspension, air conditioning, heated seats, trip computer and cruise control. The cars were available with either 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. Leather seats were also available as a cost option. A 24 valve 3.0 L was introduced in 1989, generating 204 bhp (compared with 177 bhp for the older 12 valve version). This model was very popular with the police in the UK, with several cars being supplied to upgraded police specification. The main feature of the new engine was a (Dual Ram) system, increasing torque at low engine speeds by means of a redirected air flow system engaged at 4,000 rpm. Later in the model's lifespan, the 2.5 L was replaced by a 2.6 L Dual Ram, and the 3.0 L 12 valve was deleted in 1992. CD versions of the 2.6 L and 24 valve 3.0 L were available untill the model's withdrawal in 1994.

This German designed rear wheel drive executive express feels dated now but it's roomy, refined and generally reliable. It obviously can't compete against a 5 Series, but it's so much car for the money. Lots of refined, roomy and comfortable car for the money. Estates are very spacious, drives well and most engines are lively. Looking at it's age alongside almost all rivals, Vauxhall lacks prestige in executive circles and Will continue to shed value rapidly. Omega saloons and cavernous estates were in production for ten years, receiving regular facelifts and upgrades to keep them in touch with buyers rising expectations. Depreciation from new was steep in a class where buyers with a choice wanted classier badges on their executive expresses, so used prices are a steal now. Omega is sturdily built and lasts well, high mileage is not an issue provided there's service history. Most used buyers prefer petrol V6 cars or the 2.2i 16v, but the 2.5 TD is highly rated as a tow car and liked for its refined BMW engine that can give 35 mpg. The roomy cabin feels a bit old school but has excellent seats. Go for as much equipment as possible, preferably CD, CDX or Elite specs. Smooth ride and well mannered handling helps the miles pass quickly. Servicing and fuel costs are reasonable, making Omega an attractive long term used buy. NCAP test got a 3 and the best Models are the 2.2i 16v CDX; 2.6i V6. But the worst Models are the Low spec 2.0 models without air con. Prices start at under £1,100 for the first of the 1994 2.0 litre Edition S. More common M plated 2.0 litre Select entry level cars will retail at between £1,200 and £1,500. Expect to pay £1,600-£1,900 for N and P registered models. Add premiums of between £150 and £1,200 for better equipped 2.0 litre GLS and CD variants. And estates? Usually, a premium of between £100 to £500 more. Prices for the popular mid range 2.5 litre V6 start in GLS form at around £1.100 for the first of the 1994 L plated models. £1,000 £1,400 for an M registered car and between £1,300 to £1,700 for an N plate. Plusher CD variants cost from £200 more and CDX versions retail from about £2,000. That leaves only the flagship Elite 24v 3.0 litre V6, priced between £1,100 and £6,500 depending on age and mileage, the popular BMW 2.5 litre six cylinder turbo diesel (from under £1,500). 2 litre 16v models launched in 1999 (from around £3,800) Most cars that are on the used market will have come off company fleets, but thats not a bad thing, since they will probably have been used at director level and had an easyer life then that of a sales rep.

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Monday, 18 December 2006

vauxhall Cavalier and Carlton

Launched in 1975 as a 1976 model, the Cavalier was made from 1975 to 1995
1988 to 1992 range
Base (1.4, 1.6 petrol, 1.7 diesel) L (1.4, 1.6, 1.6i, 1.8, 1.8i, 2.0i petrol, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 turbodiesel)
GL (1.6, 1.6i, 1.8, 1.8i, 2.0i petrol, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 turbodiesel) CD (2.0i petrol) SRi (2.0i petrol) GSi (2.0i 16v petrol)
1992 to 1995 range
Envoy (1.6i petrol, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 turbodiesel) LS (1.6i, 1.8i, 2.0i petrol, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 turbodiesel)
GLS (1.6i, 1.8i, 2.0i, 2.5 V6 petrol, 1.7 diesel, 1.7 turbodiesel)
CD (2.0i, 2.5 V6 petrol, 1.7 turbodiesel) CDX (2.0i, 2.5 V6 petrol, 1.7 turbodiesel)
SRi (2.0i petrol) V6 (2.5i V6 petrol) Turbo (2.0 16v 4x4 petrol 6 speed Turbocharged)
The last Cavalier was introduced in October 1988 for the 1989 model year, being Vauxhall's version of the Opel Vectra, again available as a saloon and hatchback. There was no estate version in the Opel lineup, and as the Vectra was not going to be sold in Australia, there was no prospect of Vauxhall turning to Holden for a replacement. The Vectra name was not adopted at this model change as Vauxhall feared reviving memories of the somewhat pedestrian Vauxhall Victor. (This memory was fading, however, and the Vectra name would eventually be revived with the Cavalier's replacement.)
In place of the Mk 2 Cavalier's angular exterior was a more rounded appearance. There was also a new economical 1.4 L petrol engine. The biggest changes to the range were the addition of 2.0 L 16 valve engines, better known as the (red top) or XE. This was fitted to the GSi 2000 and later SRi's. Also made available was a four wheel drive system, fitted to a 2.0iL model (8 valve SRi spec) and on a version of the GSi 2000. There were two diesels available: a 1.7 L, 60 bhp from launch, and an 82 bhp 1.7 Isuzu engined turbo diesel from 1992. The early SRi's were fitted with the 2.0 8 valve engine from the previous Cavalier model, which produced 130 hp. Despite the lack of an estate bodystyle, the Cavalier topped the large medium family car sales charts in Britain in 1991, ahead of the Sierra. Its best year for sales was in 1992, when it was Britain's second best selling car behind the Escort.
Vauxhall came up with a new coupe, the Vauxhall Calibra, developed from the Cavalier Mk 3, to replace the discontinued Opel Manta. The Calibra was well received, notably for its sporty although cramped interior (largely based on the interior of the Cavalier) and its streamlined styling which in turn, enabled the Calibra to have the lowest drag coefficient of the period at 0.28. A few variants were made: the 2.0 litre 8 valve, 2.0 L 16 valve (the same engine in the proven Cavalier Gsi2000), the turbo version (again, the same engine used in the very successful Cavalier Turbo), the 2.5 L V6 and finally the 2.0 L 16 valve "Ecotec".
A facelift in the autumn of 1992 saw the Cavalier's 1.4 L engine dropped and a 172 hp 2.5 L V6 added to the range. At this time the GSi 2000 was replaced by a new four wheel drive version badged simply (Cavalier Turbo) with a turbocharged version of the 16 valve engine producing over 200 bhp. Most of the range now had airbags and ABS as standard. The exterior design was also freshened up, with a new look grille, headlights,rear lights and bumper mouldings. Finally for the 1995 model year, the new 2.0L Ecotec engine was launched replacing the previous 16 valve (red top) engine, with a reduced power output down to 136 bhp, compared to the 150 bhp of the previous engine. The 2.0 L 8 valve engine in the SRis were replaced in 1992 with a 115 hp engine, due to emission problems when fitted with a catalytic converter.Production of the Cavalier ceased in late 1995 when it was replaced by the Vectra.

Carlton was made from 1978 to 1994, and had a line up were two impressive In Line 6 engines with 2.6 and 3.0 litres. Originally, these were 12 valve engines, but later models offered a 24 valve version producing much more power and torque. As well, Vauxhall used the (Dual Ram) intake manifold, which lets the car breathe as 2 3 cylinder engines below 4000RPM, but changes the intake manifold profile at 4000RPM to increase the runner length, thus increasing total engine output. On its launch at the end of 1986 the Vauxhall Carlton saloon and estate range earned itself the accolade of European Car of the Year. Vauxhall's comfortable, well equipped and refined cruiser was a direct competitor for the Ford Granada / Scorpio & Rover 800 Series. It proved hugely popular in the fleet market with managing directors as well as other buyers who could afford to buy it. In 1990, Vauxhall launched a high performance 377bhp Carlton in collaboration with Lotus Cars, calling it the LOTUS CARLTON. It was built with a 3615cc six cylinder twin turbocharged engine (designated C36GET) capable of 175mph, making it officially (for the time) the fastest full four seater saloon ever made. It costed nearly £50,000, well over double the value of a standard Carlton. For those with less money there was the 3000GSi 24 valve, with a top speed of nearly 150mph. And in 1994 Vauxhall Carlton was replaced by the Vauxhall Omega,but still to this day, the LOTUS CARLTON rules the saloons, as well as it holds it's price too. (around £15,000).

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Monday, 11 December 2006

Vauxhall Astra 1983 to continuing

The Vauxhall Astra first went on sale in the 1980's, and are still going to this day with there latest little number (the VXR). They have made so far 5 different types with a few face lifts on the way.
The Astra is a solid, dependable, practical car. Most are pleasant to drive, comfortable to travel in and cheap to operate. But there against themselfs because thereinteriors are drab and have only average space set by current standards. Diesel models lack refinement. Pre1999 Astras have a minimum of safety features. As for the reliability, the suspension and electrical faults are commonest. It's recomended to replace cambelt and brake discs at around 40,000 miles.

The Performance, Ride & Handling, Refinement, Safety & Security, Behind the wheel and Equipment gets * * * * * stars.
Weres the Buying & owning, Quality & Reliability and Space & practicality gets * * * * * stars.

The engine choice has grown and been up dated during the Astra’s life. The medium-sized petrols (1.6 16v and 1.8) give the best blend of driveability and costs. The two 1.6 engines offer an auto gearbox, it’s not the sweetest, but neither are the manuals. The diesels are low on refinement and performance, but the petrol 2.2 is an angel.There’s nothing fancy about the Astra’s chassis, but that simplicity serves the car well. All models are light and easy to drive, with good steering and a fine ride, (along with beeing known for cheap insurance quotes).While the more performance oriented versions (SRis and 2002’s Turbo) are satisfying hot hatches. However, ABS and TC disappointingly remain comparative rarities, even today. Hatches and estates were launched simultaneously in spring 1998, followed by the saloon (October 1998), coupe (summer 2000) and convertible (late 2001). Engines have been constantly uprated, with the eight-valve 1.6, 16v 1.8 and the two turbo diesels progressively gaining more performance from early 2000, and the 2.2 petrol replacing the 2.0 the following year.

The new VXR is known for it's Eye watering acceleration, head turning looks & room for four. It's also got an against due to the Power can overcome chassis, high running costs, unlikely to hold its value as well as a Golf GTI & poor rear visibility. It's sed to cost around (£19,120).
The VXR uses a 237bhp version of Vauxhall’s turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine to deliver blistering acceleration. While it’s rather flat at low revs, there’s a massive surge as the turbo gets into its stride and launches you forward. Flat out, rivals simply won’t be able to keep up.The Astra’s suspension and steering have been modified compared with the previous Sport Hatch to deal with the glut of power. Accelerate hard and the steering wheel starts to lighten and twitch, but you remain in control. There’s good grip through corners and the steering guides you accurately and keeps you informed. The ride is firm without being uncomfortable and isn’t upset by poor surfaces. Because of its wider tyres the VXR kicks up more road noise than lesser Astras, but wind noise is still well contained, so it’s a fine motorway cruiser. While the engine is docile and quiet at low speeds, there’s a sporty snarl to the exhaust and a lot of noise from under the bonnet as the revs increase. The VXR has a comprehensive array of safety equipment, ABS and front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, along with a stability control system that, when switched off, cuts in to stop the car sliding off the road. Deadlocks are fitted to deter determined thieves. Apart from the aggressively bolstered front seats and a few sporty touches, the VXR’s interior is practically identical to the standard Sport Hatch’s. There’s a good range of adjustments for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, but the centre console is overly complicated. Forward visibility is fine, but small windows and large pillars obstruct the view to the rear as sed.

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Thursday, 7 December 2006

Vauxhall Corsa 1993 to continuing

The Vauhall Corsa is a popular choice for young drivers and buyers looking for a lo cost, well equipped and easy to drive small car. It started life in 1993 and had major facelifts in 2000 and 2003. It's age was obvious by the time it was replaced in 2006, as newer rivals had roomier interiors, better handling and superior crash protection systems. It's an improvement over its predecessors, but there are a lot of similarly priced and more modern alternatives offered by other manufacturers.
Like all Vauxhalls the controls are within easy reach of the driver, further contributing to its ease of use, and visibility is generally very good. The dash has a rather simple design, but looks reasonably modern and the controls are straightforward to use. Steering wheel and seat height adjustment is optional on most of the models.
Interior space is improved over previous generations, but it's still tight in the back for adults. There's a fair bit of wind and tyre roar at motorway speeds, but the ride's only really disturbed by the worst roads, managing for much of the time to feel like a larger car. Some find the front seats uncomfortably hard although those fitted to sportier models offer more support.
Expression is basic with stereo/cassette player, wheel trims and wind-up windows, Life adds electric front windows and a CD player, Active adds alloy wheels and air con. Design model adds electrically adjusted door mirrors and a passenger airbag, but loses the alloy wheels. The SXi model adds 15 inch alloys again along with sports seats, the SRi has 16 inch alloys, lowered suspension, aerodynamic wing mirrors and a rear spoiler.
1.0 litre three cylinder engine is only really happy in town. Four cylinder engines range from the adequate 1.2 litre 16v up to the 1.8 16v with a nippy 125bhp. Mid range petrol and diesel units strike the best balance between performance and economy. Easytronic system offered on smaller petrol and diesel engines swaps gears without a clutch pedal and has an automatic mode, while a fully automatic gearbox is available on the 1.4 petrol engine.
It's a very easy car to drive. Handling is precise, but it rolls considerably when cornered quickly. One of the changes to the 2003 model was to make power steering standard across the range, a godsend to drivers when driving in town and for parking, although it still feels lifeless at speed. Sporty SRi versions offer the best handling for those seeking more fun and those with the 1.8 engine have the added security of traction control.
That rounded body may offer a cute shape, but it also limits interior space. Vauxhall has done a good job of making the most of the boot space (more than a Peugeot 206,), but it comes at the expense of rear passenger space. Cabin storage space is adequate.
All versions have an immobiliser and top models get deadlocks and the option of an alarm. There's a stronger body than before (it scored a respectable 4 out of 5 in Euro NCAP crash tests), but passenger airbags are optional extras on lesser models. Some models have the option of side airbags too.
Comparatively long service intervals, cheap parts and reasonable reliability bode well for keeping running costs down. Economy is good from all models. Buyers who bought new originally will find that depreciation has been the biggest cost, although those who bought used shouldn't be as concerned.
Fleet popularity means depreciation is going to be steep, so make sure you get a good deal if buying a new one. And what with the ''VXR'' range, well, the Vauxhall Corsa has certanly woken up.