It"s based on the Saturn...

It"s based on the Saturn Aura, which debuted at this week"s Detroit Motor Show. Insiders say that in all respects, the new Vectra will be little different to this production-ready showstopper.

And while the Aura is aimed at the US market, even GM admits in its official press release that the car benefits from "European design influences". It"s easy to see what the company means; its projector beam-style headlamp clusters and the angled front bumper are lifted from the current Astra.

The Saturn"s front foglamps and deep bumpers are also set to appear on the Vauxhall, although the rear is expected to be different. Those LED tail-lamps on the US model are unlikely to see production. The new Vectra will be seen for the first time in the spring, and will reach UK dealers in time for September"s "55" registration plate change.

As well as the exterior changes, the car will get several interior modifications, with higher-quality plastics, revised seat fabrics and a new instrument cluster. However, expect even bigger alterations under the bonnet. The current 1.8-litre four-cylinder powerplant will be replaced by a revised Twinport engine, offering lower emissions and greater mid-range torque. There will also be a lower-powered 100bhp variant of the 1.9-litre common-rail diesel, which is set to replace the 2.0-litre DTI unit.

The 210bhp 3.2-litre V6 will disappear, too, in favour of an all-new turbocharged 2.8 engine. This will be available with both low and high-pressure turbos, depending on the model.

More luxury-oriented variants will get the 220bhp low-pressure unit and an automatic-only gearbox, while the high-pressure turbo will develop more than 250bhp and be available with either a manual or auto transmission.

Sources have hinted that the fastest Vectra, due in 2006, could also carry the VXR badge. It would feature styling similar to that of the forthcoming hot flagship Astra, driven in concept form by Auto Express in issue 839. Engineers are already working to improve the current Vectra"s ride, handling and steering, and a performance model would deliver grip levels to rival the Mazda 6 MPS and Ford Mondeo ST220.