Despite its monstrous...

Despite its monstrous size and appearance, early indications suggest the new R-Class really is very good indeed. Predictably, other car manufacturers are keen to join the battle for sales in this emerging sector. BMW is developing a rival in the shape of the V5, while Audi"s Q7 goes on sale soon. Vauxhall is the first of the volume manufacturers to commit so openly to the new class - so is it expecting to do battle with Germany"s finest? The simple answer is no - Vauxhall simply wants to try something new in a tough sector of the market.