VAUXHALL'S new Vectra is expected to offer competitive contract hire rates following the release of its first residual values forecast.

Figures from CAP Network show the new Vectra retains more of its original value than the Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna over three-years/ 60,000-miles helped by its status as the newest car in its class.

Jeff Knight, editor of CAP Monitor, said: 'The Vectra is the new kid on the block, and its life cycle is the freshest in the market. The Mondeo is 18 months old and its residual value has drifted down a bit, reflecting its age.

'Secondly, the Vectra is now positioned squarely in the revitalised part of the upper-medium sector where the new Laguna and the Mondeo had been setting the class standards. But the new Vectra is now up there with them.'

A study by 14 leading contract hire companies also puts the Vectra ahead of its rivals through its stronger residuals and better SMR costs, expected to be worth a saving of up to £500 per car over a typical three year fleet replacement cycle. Vectra versus Mondeo fact file
Sample CAP RVs (3yrs/60,000)

Model - OTR Price - RV/% Vectra 1.8LS - £14,645 £4,675/32%
Mondeo 1.8LX - £14,645 £4,475/31%
Vectra 2.2 Elegance - £16,645 £5,225/32%
Mondeo 2.2 Ghia - £17,245 £5,075/30%
Vectra 2.0DTi SXi - £16,390 £5,250/32%
Mondeo 2.0TDdi Zetec - £16,645 £4,900/30%
Vectra 2.2DTi Elite - £20,300 £6,050/30%
Mondeo 2.0TDCi Ghia X - £20,445 £5,800/29%.