The VXR's 276bhp turbocharged V6 petrol engine gives searing pace (0-60mph takes just 6.1sec), but the power is delivered so smoothly it doesn't feel that quick. There's also plenty of low-rev pull, so you don't have to keep changing gear to make brisk progress. That's a good thing, because the gearchange in the six-speed manual gearbox isn't especially swift or smooth. An automatic gearbox is not available.

Keep the VXR on the motorway and you'll get along fine. The high-speed ride is comfortable and the car feels very stable. It's not so impressive at lower speeds, where the ride fidgets over every bump. The drive is uninvolving, too. There simply isn't enough feedback from the steering and the front wheels struggle with the engine's power. The VXR is a big, heavy car, and feels it - it's a disappointment.

There's no escaping the boomy exhaust note. This is great when you're in the mood, but it's wearing when you're not. You'll have to be very gentle with the accelerator to silence the noise on the motorway. At least the engine sounds suitably cultured and expensive. Other noises are largely kept in the background. There's little wind and road noise, unless the surface is particularly coarse, when the large tyres kick up more din.

This is the VXR's biggest failing. Over £24,000 is a lot to pay for a Vectra, no matter how fast it is, and it'll also lose that value quickly. Then there's the average fuel economy of just 27.2mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 250g/km. This puts the VXR is the highest (35%) band for company car tax. Insurance is group 18, typically one or two groups higher than those of its rivals.

The interior feels well screwed together and most of the materials are sturdy. However, some of the trim lacks the quality you'd find in a Volkswagen Passat, for example. The turbocharged V6 engine is unproven, but otherwise the Vectra should give little cause for concern.

The list of safety equipment is impressive. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are anti-whiplash head restraints and a pedal-release system that limits foot and ankle injuries in an accident. Emergency brake assist (which applies maximum braking in an emergency) and traction and stability control help you avoid an accident in the first place. Security kit comprises an alarm, immobiliser and locking wheel nuts.

Almost any driver should feel comfortable, such is the range of wheel and seat adjustment. Most of the controls are close to hand, although some of the buttons are too small. The main display's menus could be easier to use and the fold-down armrest restricts access to the handbrake. For such a sporty car, the interior isn't special enough, either.

The Vectra is a large car. There's plenty of space up front and three adults will fit in the rear seats, although tall passengers may find their head brushing against the ceiling. At 500 litres, the boot will take an entire family's luggage with ease. If you need even more space, the rear seats split and fold down, but they don't lie completely flat. More storage space would be useful and the door bins are shallow.

You won't want for kit in a VXR. You get part-leather sports seats, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, a digital radio and six-disc CD autochanger. Want more? There are also four electric windows, a trip computer, and a leather steering wheel and gearknob. You don't get a spare wheel, though - just a tyre inflation kit.