VAUXHALL has released the first official pictures of its new-look Vectra, which is the result of a £200m investment at its Ellesmere Port plant.

A five-door hatchback, will start rolling off the Port production line in April 2002 to go head to head with Ford's mighty Mondeo.

Vauxhall bosses are confident the Vectra will give the famous 'rep mobile' a run for its money.

Following the announcement earlier this year that the Ellesmere Port plant would become a 'flex' facility to manufacture the new Vectra alongside the Astra, employees and contractors from across Europe have been preparing for full production to start in spring.

Investment has seen the construction and tooling of a new bodyshop, and modifications to the assembly process.

The company says the Vectra range will be extended with additional body styles, engines and gearboxes.

A spokesman said: 'We are optimistic the progressive increase in production capacity will pave the way for the Vectra's return to the top of the European segment.'