THERE'S a lot to be said for understatement. It's a look to be associated with the words confident, well-designed and quality, writes Caroline Beamish.

And Vauxhall's new Vectra has made its comeback with an abundance of all three.

While the sharp words of Jeremy Clarkson may have dampened enthusiasm for the model the first time round, the design team responsible for the new Vectra will certainly not fall victim to the same criticism.

In fact, oddly enough, Vauxhall has a lot to thank Jeremy for, as his harsh observation probably played an instrumental part in its quest to shut him up with this refined and revised version.

And with so much more choice available in the segment today, the marque has had to make sure the Vectra can pack quite a punch to woo the buyers into its arms.

From the windscreen forward, this is an all-new car.

Modern front light clusters and new lines on the bonnet bring the Vectra in line with the rest of the updated Vauxhall family, and give it an altogether more executive edge.

While inside the cabin, which is roomier than before thanks to a longer wheelbase, there is a new up-market feel thanks to new instrument graphics, soft touch seat fabric, trip computer and all those extra little switches for electric windows, central locking and door mirrors located on one convenient control pad on the driver's side door.

Aladdin's Cave did not fit in with the image Vauxhall wanted the Vectra to carry, so unashamed splashes of silver are restricted to the door handles and a small Griffin badge on the slimmed down steering wheel.

And although this car is likely to carry just its driver for much of the time, there's enough room in the back for the children or in-laws to be perfectly comfortable at weekends.

But, arguably the best part of the new Vectra, and for a driver the most important, is its sure and confident handling on the road.

You just can't help but drive this car purposefully.

I may have only been going out for a low-key meal with family at the weekend, but to other drivers I must have looked like I was headed for a serious video-conference with Government officials at a secret location.

You don't even have to drive this car fast to look like you are on some important assignment. In fact, bring on the B-roads, because the Vectra has got enough balance to allow you to take on any twist or bend you come across and, let's face it, you can't get from A to B in this part of the world without meeting at least a few of these.

The 1.9CTDi engine is powerful enough to be responsive and power you onto the dual carriageway off any island, while still providing value for money with around 47mpg on the combined cycle.

In a clever bit of advertising, Vauxhall has also managed to snag the most recognisable former football referee in the world to appear in a series of television commercials that began this month.

Famed for his distinctive look and firm footballing decisions, a sharply suited Pierluigi Collina, combined with the slogan Take Control', presents just the serious, no-nonsense image the Vectra is now all about.

No-one is going to argue that, as a mid-sized executive hatch, the Vectra is designed for people who spend many hours behind the wheel while racking up more miles per year than a trans-Atlantic 747.

But even if your average journey is more likely to be trans-South Lakeland than a dash across the country five times a week, it makes sense to do it in a car built for comfort, style and performance.

l The New Vectra Design 1.9CDTi used in this test drive was kindly supplied by Hargreaves Vauxhall, in Mintsfeet Road, Kendal. The price, on the road, is £19,345, with the New Vectra, range starting at £15,975.