Vauxhall, part of General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturers, has a long and proud history in Britain.

Much of this has been high-lighted recently with worldwide cutbacks, plant closure and job losses at its Luton operation.

But last week saw the first new Vectra to come off the line at the company's Ellesmere Port factory.

When the Vectra replaced the long tested and tired Cavalier the excitement was underwhelming to say the least.

A worthy but an unexciting car which was just the sort of vehicle to keep the fleet car managers happy.

Reliable, economical, easy to service with a minumum of problems.

But with the much heralded imminent arrival of the new Mondeo, Vauxhall designers were put to work to produce something that really was a bit different and not boring.

Have they succeeded?

To a degree, yes. I'll be better able to judge later this month when I test all the models at a launch event being held at Castle Combe.

Unfortunately, like all the busi-ness orientated mass-produced cars, Vauxhall is governed by cost versus desirability.

In order to meet legislative requirements for increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions, to say nothing of higher levels of safety, the aerodynamics of cars are crucial, and this restricts exterior designs enormously.

How a car looks is very much a matter of taste, so trying to get something new that appeals to most is no easy task.

I can't say the Vectra gets me wildly excited, looking, as so many do, much like half a dozen other models.

However, its driveability is vastly improved.

This is a driver friendly car which is due in UK showrooms in June.

Initially there will be a four-door saloon and a five-door hatchback.

Engines will vary from the 1.8-litre and 2.2-litre petrol to the 2.0-litre and 2.2 turbo diesel versions.

Topping the range will be a new 3.2-litre V6 engine, built at the new £200 million Ellesmere Port plant.

Next year will see the intro-duction of a Vectra estate.

There will also be the highly innovative Signum, which had its first UK showing at last year's Scottish Motor Show.

As I reported at the time, this car, while probably a class above the present Vectra, is almost sure to replace it in some form in the not too distant future.

But back to the new Vectra, with which Vauxhall hopes to corner a far larger share of the market.

I have tested the two petrol versions and came away well impressed in relation to the model it replaced.

Gone is the uncaring suspension and handling and distinct lack of personality.

Those were the credentials of a past era of motoring when such things were not deemed to matter in the middle range of family-size saloons.

Yes, good to drive feel is back, and about time.

Very comfortable, vastly improved and very positive handling, sprightly engine power, easy to read instrumentation, economical, pleasant enough interior and easy to look at exterior, with excellent front and rear lighting units.

It's a good package that should bring home the bacon for Vauxhall. I'm really looking forward to driving it again.