VAUXHALL has launched an aggressively-priced pseudo sporty Vectra to compete head-on with Ford's Zetec Mondeo. Priced only slightly above the entry-level model, the new 115bhp 1.8-litre Vectra SXi at £14,995 on-the-road is more than £400 cheaper than the Ford Mondeo 115bhp 1.8-litre Zetec.

Standard equipment for the Vectra SXi includes air conditioning, alloy wheels, sports front seats with lumbar adjustment, tailgate spoiler, CD player and Trafficmaster. It also comes in black as standard with the option of polar sea blue pearlescent or star silver metallic paint. Vauxhall says the on-the-road price of £14,995 will only be held until the end of next month when it will be reviewed. The Vectra SXi joins the Corsa and Astra SXi options in the Vauxhall line-up.