VAUXHALL SENATOR 3.0i 24v

TESTED 5.9.90

For a meagre premium, an extra 12 valves transformed the 3.0 Senator from exec also-ran to genuine BMW and Merc rival.

The 24-valve 3.0-litre straight six from the Carlton GSI split the new Senator’s inlet manifold in two up to 4000rpm and combined it thereafter for both healthy low-down torque and knockout high-end punch. Its BMW 530i-beating 204bhp was sent to the rear wheels and an LSD was an optional extra.

The 31bhp and 22lb ft jump over the £1250-cheaper – but thirstier – 12-valve Senator 3.0i made little difference from 0-80mph. The new car stretched its legs thereafter, though, and was far quicker for in-gear sprints. Revised software allowed silky shifts from the electronic three-mode, fourspeed automatic transmission.

The Senator’s first-class chassis was only improved by the three-mode electronic dampers. In Sport, they reined in roll and allowed the 205mm-wide Uniroyals to deliver impressive grip levels, while Comfort mode gave a beautifully cosseted ride.

Big leather seats, ample space for five, a big boot and good kit levels impressed inside, but the dashboard design and switchgear were dated and ugly.

FOR Engine, chassis, excellent room and equipment

AGAINST Ugly dashboard, uncommunicative steering

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

The Senator stayed on sale until early 1994 and over 33,000 were built. The 24-valve range-topper was also available in manual form, although most buyers chose the auto. The Senator was replaced by the Omega, which instead used V6 engines for its most powerful variants. Fewer than 50 Senator 24-valve cars remain on UK roads today.