THERE'S an old term that used to refer to wartime trawlers and the like: under their unassuming exteriors lurked a boat bristling with armaments designed to take the enemy by surprise. Such a vessel was known as a Q-boat, and it has spawned an affectionate term in motoring circles - one that describes a plain-looking car with a performance sting in its tale.

The Omega MV6 ideally fits this description: it uses Vauxhall's big brawny 3-litre 210bhp V6, equipped with a manual gearbox, subtle body kit and an attractive price tag of just ú24,670 on the road (or ú25,470 for the estate) to make a tempting package - especially so when you add in a set of tasty 17in alloy wheels, sports seats and climate control as standard. In many ways, this is the derivative the Omega range has always cried out for: our comparison chart failed to come up with any true competitors on performance at the Omega's price, meaning the MV6 provides Vauxhall with something of a performance bargain that will add real shine to the range.