Greatest road tests ever: Vauxhall Senator 3.0i 24V

An extra 12 valves transformed the Senator's performance

Despite its ugly interior, this humble saloon became a genuine BMW rival after an engine transformation

*Tested 5.9.90*

For a meagre premium, an extra 12 valves transformed the 3.0 Senator from executive also-ran to a genuine BMW and Mercedes 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, producing both healthy lowdown torque and knockout high-end punch. Its BMW 530i-beating 204bhp was sent to the rear wheels while an LSD was an optional extra. 

The 31bhp and 22lb ft torque jump over the £1250-cheaper — but thirstier — 12-valve Senator 3.0i made little difference from zero to 80mph. The new car stretched its legs thereafter, however, and was far quicker for in-gear sprints, its engine rumble becoming an eager roar above 4000rpm. Revised software allowed silky shifts from the electronic three-mode, fourspeed 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, albeit at the expense of bump absorption, while Comfort mode produced a beautifully cosseted ride. 

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

*For:* Engine, chassis, excellent room and equipment 

*Against:* Ugly, dash, uncommunicative steering

*Factfile*

*Price *£25,400 *Engine* 6 cyls in line, 2926cc, petrol *Power *204bhp at 6000rpm* Torque *199lb ft at 3600rpm *0-60mph* 9.1sec *0-100mph *22.7sec *Standing quarter mile* 17.0sec at 87mph *Top speed* 139mph *Economy* 21.4mpg

*What happened next?*

The Senator continued on sale until early 1994, and over 33,000 were built in total. As for the 24-valve range-topper, it was also available in manual form,