Holden Vectra 2002 News

Opel's stunt prior to the 2008 British motor show injected excitement into the launch of their mid-size car. The launch of the latest Insignia (Vauxhall Vectra in the UK) started with an orb plunging to the ground. It was hoisted atop the Tower Bridge where it stayed until its mid-week opening revealing the car, which was lowered earthwards … plunging 45m in six seconds. The Insignia debuts GM's Epsilon2 platform that will underpin future models, including Saab's next-generation 9-3, with front-wheel and all-wheel-drive. It will be powered by four cylinder and V6 petrol engines and turbo diesels. Holden wouldn't comment but may be forced to consider the mid-sizer, given that sales of the Daewoo-built Epica match its underwhelming performance.  

Another South Korean Holden has been confirmed. A GM Holden dealer has revealed that Holden will replace the Vectra with a re-badged version of the Daewoo Tosca sedan for $24,990. The mid-sized sedan, which will be called Epica in Australia, will be the fourth Daewoo-sourced model to be sold as a Holden, following the Barina baby car, Viva small car and Captiva all-wheel-drive wagon. Holden will not comment on the Epica plan, but a Cairns Holden dealer revealed the car and details at the launch of the VE Commodore a fortnight ago. The carmaker has long been frustrated with the performance of the European-built Vectra, which has not matched sales expectations. The well-equipped Epica will be available with two six-cylinder engines: the 2.0-litre produces 104kW and the 2.5-litre adds another 11kW. The engines drive the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Fuel economy figures are not yet available, but it is believed that one engine gives 8.2 litres/100km of mixed city and highway driving. A 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel will be offered to European Epica customers, though it is not clear if the engine will come here. The Epica will have a tough time battling it out with the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda6 and Honda Accord. The Epica preview to guests of Holden dealers included a presentation that listed alloy wheels, anti-skid brakes, dual airbags, traction control, electric windows and cruise control as standard features. The vehicle, which replaces the Daewoo Magnus, made its global premiere as the Chevrolet Epica at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March and is likely to be seen for the first time here at the Australian Motor Show in Sydney in October.