Saturn/Vauxhall relationship?

[TommyTwinCams]

Was it closer than I thought? I was recently on facebook and on a Cobalt group I joined, a guy posted photos of his Vauxhall Vectra estate. It was a 2.2L L61 (Z22SE to Europeans) and he imported a supercharger kit for it from America. I was looking at the body lines and something struck me...

Vectra in question:

Saturn L-series station wagon.

2003-2005 facelift:

2000-2002 front end:

Custom Saturn wagon:

I knew the Saturn L-series was based on the Vectra but I didn't think they were near identical. The sedan model seems truly different from the Vauxhall, but the wagon/estate seems identical bar the front end.

Was the relationship closer than I thought or am I seeing things?

 

[SLEEPER]

I would keep very quiet if my car looked like a copy of a vectra

 

[davalav]

I like Vectra's. Always had a soft spot for them, mainly Vectra B's.

 

[TommyTwinCams]

I like the way they look and it's kind of a forbidden fruit thing for me. If you can't have it, you want it. The Vectra was never officially sold here. I never really looked at the Saturn L-series since 80% of them were sedans that look nothing like the Vectra. I do like how 2003-2005 Saturn L-series sedans looked though (My ex-boyfriend's mother has a 2003 L200 sedan/saloon). If the wagon/estates are as close as I think after this comparison, I may have to start looking at used ones eventually.

Saturn L-series sedan rear:

Vectra sedan rear:

 

[davalav]

Do they not do Opel in the states?

 

[TommyTwinCams]

No they don't. But that doesn't mean Opel and Vauxhall cars don't make it over here.

Currently:
Vauxhall Insignia : Buick Regal (Commercial)
Vauxhall Astra *Saloon only* : Buick Verano (Commercial)
Opel Mokka : Buick Encore (Commercial)

In the past:
2006-2009:
Opel GT : Saturn Sky (Commercial)
2008-2009:
Vauxhall Astra : Saturn Astra (Commercial)
Opel Antara : Saturn Vue (Commercial)

American market vehicles based on Opel offerings:
2000-2005 Saturn L-series (Vauxhall Vectra) (Commercial)
2007-2009 Saturn Aura (Vauxhall Vectra) *This car won 2007 North American Car of the Year* (Commercial)