The things you see in Finland . . .

When it was first launched some three years ago, the Vectra was criticised for the blandness of its nose. The designers seem to have taken this into account, as we can see from the new front on the mid-life facelift version which will be debut late this summer.

This test car, caught on cold-weather test in Finland, sports a much more aggressive face, with multi-lensed headlights - remarkably similar to those of the much more recently launched Astra.

It's likely that Opel will also take the opportunity to make mild modifications to the suspension to deliver a more sporting driving experience.

Likewise, the steering may also receive attention to give more feel and more precise response. And like the Astra range, which will gain a perforamnce VRX model later this year, the Vectra should also gain a similar VRX model, although this is unlikely to appear before 2006.

Also caught out in the cold undergoing some testing near the Arctic Circle was the Smart ForTwo Coupe and Cabriolet. Even though they are both heavily disguised, the proportions and layout of the cars appears little changed.

While the wheelbase remains similar, the nose has been lengthened to make room for larger crumple zones. There are also new headlamps and grille.

The upright door handles have been swapped for conventional items, while the mirrors are new as well. At the rear, buyers can expect revised lights and a reprofiled bumper line. The new ForTwo will make its debut some time in 2006.