Ever since Vauxhall stopped making the big Viscount models the only representation General Motors have had in this country in the big car line has been the Opel Commodore.

This has rather left the field open to the big Fords at around the £2,000-plus mark.

However the Opel Commodore has been available here in current 2.8 litre form since May last year when it superseded the two-and-a-half litre versions.

Recently I had brief use of a GS four-door saloon, a car of ample proportions without being over-upholstered inside.

The big six-cylinder engine, now sporting a shapely finned rocker cover, has its overhead valves operated by high mounted camshaft which itself is chain-driven.

The rev counter - once again I must compliment Opel on the clarity of their instruments, set in a simple simulated wood nacelle well-angled for the driver - is red lined at 6,200 rpm, yellow cautioned at 5,700 rpm.

On the open road and on twisting minor roads the car handled comfortably - a large car easy to get used to the fact.

Excellent visibility and good controls, my only criticism being Opel's penchant for that rotary stalk for the wipers.

In all aspects it appealed to me as a sensible and well-engineered large car, quiet on the road, easy to maneouvre and well equipped.

And under the skin Opel engineers will tell you they have done as much as anybody in the realms of occupant protection in case of accident.

£3,144 plus £206 for the automatic, both inclusive of VAT, however, puts the Commodore GS saloon over the Granada Ghia saloon.