Vauxhall boss Kevin Wale has dismissed fears – emanating from Europe – that the new Vectra is struggling.

He insists that in the UK there are “order banks for the car that are difficult to satisfy”.

“Retail sales are up in the UK, and the range is still developing,” says Wale. “We are very happy with the car's launch here. The advertisements have worked brilliantly for us – the level of awareness of the car is extremely high.”

But Opel is having a tougher time selling the Vectra. In August, Vectra registrations in continental Europe reached just 11,500 units – around half the total of Ford Mondeo, and less than sales of the old Vectra in August 2001.

Although the new model has received positive reviews from the press and from fleet customers, the car is competing for a diminishing volume D-sector market in Europe. Many customers who bought a Vectra or Mondeo in the past are now moving to spacious new C-sector cars like the Peugeot 307, Citroen Picasso or Renault Scenic, while others are opting for premium brand cars like the BMW 3-series.

However, Wale says it is still early days for the car – as even the full range of paint colours has yet to be rolled out. The range will be strengthened by the innovative Signum flagship due next year.