Упр. 12. Прочитайте и переведите текст. Найдите и переведите предложения, характеризующие технологические особенности автомобиля

The Vectra is a familiar sight on European roads. So what does Opel/Vauxhall provide for its drivers? One feature is its interactive driving system (IDS). This is an electronic management system that interacts with the chassis, steering and braking for increasing driver feedback, comfort and safety. GM Europe is particularly pleased with the electro-hydraulic power steering. Its main aim is providing a positive and class-leading response to the driver.

The brake systems comprise Anti-lock brakes (ABS), cornering brake control (CBC), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and an enhanced electronic stability programme (ESP). This is the most important way of ensuring that the new Vectra has a dynamic and yet safe feel to it, especially when being driven at speed.

Another driving feature is the drive-by-wire electronic throttle control for all petrol engines, for improved driveability and a lighter pedal action.

The car is equipped with safety features, including front, side and curtain airbags and active head restraints. There is also a seat occupancy detector and a tyre pressure monitoring system. In the event of an impact, both the brake and clutch pedals are disengaged to protect the driver from injuring to the feet and lower legs.

A great attention has been given to the exterior. The second-generation Vectra is the first model in Opel/Vauxhall's new design line. It is famous for having good aerodynamics, the result of hard work in the wind tunnel and in computer-aided simulation.

The body has a torsional stiffness 74 per cent greater than previous model and the bending stiffness has increased by 62 per cent due to the greater use of high-strength steels. In total 15 different types of steel are used.

Initially there are three petrol and two diesel engines, with power output ranging from 122 ps to 211 ps (90-163 kW) available, but these will be topped by some performance versions in the range powered by a petrol 3.2 litre V6 and diesel 3.0 litre V6.

Two gearboxes first appear on the Vectra: the five-speed automatic Active Select with manual shift function, and the CVTronic. The former, which is adaptive, is available on both the petrol and diesel-engined 2.2 16-valve and the new 3.2 litre V6, while the latter is available with the 1.8 16-valve petrol engine. Described as a six-speed, there are three gearshift modes: fully stepless automatic; manual, using the six predefined gears; and full automatic transmission mode, in which the six gear steps can be activated so the CVTronic acts like a conventional six-speed box.

In fact, the new model that has recently been launched is an example of what can be achieved with cars the main purpose of which is having been designed with mass sales in mind. It is efficient, spacious, pleasant to drive, well built and has reasonable running costs. It is far superior to the predecessor model. It is just lack of the quality called charisma.