1995 was the sixth and last year for the Cavalier and both Vauxhall and Cleland were keen for it to go out on a high. A switch to Michelin rubber and with the newly introduced aerodynamics kit the car performed well and the team were confident of some success. Cleland started the season well taking the first win of the season, which was also a psychological win for the team. However, brain fade at Brands Hatch for rounds three and four meant that the Cavalier end up in the Paddock Hill Bend gravel on both occasions, first while attempting to match the Volvo of Rickard Rydell in damp conditions, and second when, following another incident with Rydell, he attempted to stop himself from being lapped by Tim Harvey.

This loss of valuable championship points made Cleland change his driving focus, and he turned his attention to winning points rather than race wins. This all paid off and Clelands consistency netted him the drivers title for the second time. Eighteen podium finishes with four wins on the trot mid-season was his route to the title, and for once in his life when interviewed after his title win he was lost for words.

Following the success of 1995, the introduction of the new Vectra did not bring the results that were hoped, and Cleland had his first season in the BTCC without a race win. The first victory for the Vectra went to his team mate James Thompson, with a second place being the best that Cleland could achieve. He ended the 1996 season in a very disappointing eighth place. 1997 saw little improvement even though Vauxhall had changed to the new Triple Eight team, headed by ex-F1 driver Derek Warwick. Warwick also drove for the team, and this combination of manager/team-mate did not suit Cleland and they soon fell out. The car itself also suffered from poor aerodynamics as it used the wings and spoilers developed for the German series which did not suit the tight and twisty UK curcuits. Cleland ran mid-field all season and for the first time finished outside of the top ten in the drivers championship.