For the past six years the Vauxhall Vectra has been the weapon of choice for thousands of motorists - a machine that has contributed more to making our motorways a nightmare of bad manners and hold-ups than any other car.

But rather like the train or the bus, the Vectra has always been a means to an end - a devastatingly effective example of function over form. Which is why Opel - Vauxhall's parent company - claims to have pulled out all the stops for this, its replacement, which will hit UK showrooms in June.

Having been caught with its corporate trousers down back in 1995 when the last Vectra served up a meagre improvement over the old Cavalier in the face of challengers such as Ford's Mondeo, Vauxhall has a lot to prove this time around. To this end, the newcomer is bigger all-round, with a longer wheelbase, wider track and vastly improved packaging - both inside and underneath where the suspension and drivetrain have been completely rejigged.

In terms of exterior design, however, the Vectra is the automotive equivalent of a chart compilation album, combining the best and most nickable bits from Volkswagen and Ford to create a tidy if predictable design.

The same applies to the cabin, where the appearance of wafer-thin panel gaps and soft-touch surfaces mean the Vectra's interior is now up with the rest of the class. The quality on our early- build car was spot-on, while the driving position felt as though it was designed with a human in mind this time around.

So how does the Vectra fare in the firepower department? Well, as with most matters Vauxhall, it's a case of good news and bad news. The good news is that a 211bhp 3.2 V6 has been borrowed from the Omega for the range-topping Elite. Smooth, powerful and quick, it replaces the old 2.6-litre six and delivers sharper performance. Further down is the excellent 2.2-litre four-pot that powers the VX220. The bad news is that for now the SRi and GSi names are currently on the backburner pending the arrival of what Vauxhall describes as the 'sports' chassis that will be the basis of a new GSi model. With a lower ride height, stiffer springs, uprated dampers and a host of other tweaks, the engineers believe this car will be the dynamic better of the Mondeo ST220. Some claim.

An SRi will also appear but this won't be a cynical badge'n'alloys upgrade over the standard car as before. Instead the new SRi will only be available with one engine, a 2-litre turbo. For emissions reasons this isn't the Astra Coupe's unit, but a sleeved-down version of the naturally aspirated 2.2. Expect around 175bhp and a six-speed 'box as standard.

On the road the new Vectra is a fine performer - words that could never be used to describe the outgoing motor. Step out of a Mondeo and the handling's on the numb side - there's not much information filtering back through the pedals and electro-hydraulic steering - but the suspension itself (MacPherson front struts and four-link independent set-up at the back) feels extremely capable, with a neutral balance and good composure. And that bodes well for next year's racier versions.

The engineers are very upfront about their baby. They know the cooking models aren't as rewarding to drive as the equivalent Mondeo, but then they're not meant to be. Vauxhall's first intention was to excel at ride and refinement. Indeed the Vectra isolates and insulates like an Audi A4 and rides with more aplomb, making it a superb cruiser.

So the Vectra is finally on the pace. Yes, Vauxhall's decision to trade agility for refinement may leave some a little cold, but if recent form is anything to go by - think Astra Coupe for example - the sporting versions due next year could spring a few surprises. Watch this space.