I've just bought my first Vauxhall since my "B" reg Cavalier 1.8 SRi which was 2 years old when I bought in in (I think) 1984.
So, I'm really old.......

It was an early square shaped one, the first of the FWD models.

That SRi was much more of a big "hot hatch" than my new one, with seriously stiff suspension - and no power steering. I don't think it was even an option then, so it was a real pig to park. With 115BHP (wow) but much lower weight than modern cars, my enduring memory is of it's instant throttle response, whatever the gear. Fifth gear on the SRi then was exactly the same ratio as fourth on the GL and CD models, so whilst it was always busy sounding on the motorway, a slight touch of the toe and it would surge forward. I traded in my 1978 "Y" reg XR3 (non injection) for it and before that had a 1900cc Cavalier Coupe in metallic apple green (a real '70's choice) - a lovely car, this was Vauxhalls version of the Opel Manta (RWD). I haven't seen a Cavalier Coupe on the road for many years, but I do occasionally see mark 2 Cavaliers.

Had a range of cars since then and, last month, have finally returned to SRi motoring. I've bought a twelve month old 2.2 Direct SRi, with tiptronic automatic. It looks and goes fantastic.

This car is more "grown-up" than that old one, with much more comfortable suspension and all the buzzers and bells expected of a modern car. It's lost the "hard edge" of the old model, but is a much better car overall for daily use.

Doug