Vauxhall Meriva MPV

Vauxhall has put a lot of thought into its new Meriva – and the result is a useful, good-looking and likeable multi-purpose vehicle

This is Vauxhall's new Meriva MPV. It looks a cleverly-conceived car, with its wavy waistline and rear-hinged rear doors, and it is. What it is not, though, is a direct replacement for the old one. Because, as with so many new cars, it has grown. The Meriva used to be a mini-MPV. Not any more.


You can see the logic. Vauxhall's other MPV is the Zafira, a full seven-seater. So it's quite big; bigger, for example, than the Renault Scenic and Ford C-Max. So Vauxhall needed a clearer rival for these cars, more than it needed a direct replacement for the old Meriva which was never a huge seller. The new Meriva, on sale from June and from £15,495, is it.

It's roomier than the old one. But that fact is a mere sideshow compared with its other niceties, beginning with "FlexDoors". An MPV is very likely to be used by families – that's the point, after all – so it makes sense to let young and old occupy a communal space during the boarding process, instead of having a back door in the way.

The doors open out a long way, too, so passengers don't feel hemmed in. And, unlike smaller rear-hinged doors found in, say, a Mini Clubman or a Mazda RX-8, the rear doors can be opened without the front ones being opened first. A self-locking device activates over 2mph to overcome the safety objection, that if a door were to be opened accidentally while the car was moving, the wind would fling it back. And then there's the cabin.

As before, the rear seats slide back and forth as needed. And when they are in their rearmost position you can fold down the narrower centre seat and slide the outer ones nearer to each other, creating a four-seater car with lots of shoulder room for the rear passengers. It's a neat trick, but wherever the rear seats are set, you can still see into the boot space past the luggage blind. The rear seats also fold fully flat to create a large load space.

Then there's the "FlexRail". This actually consists of two rails set between the front seats, each with two tracks. The upper one carries an armrest and big storage box, the lower one a storage tray with a cupholder. Both can be slid into different positions or removed entirely, and there's another tray under the whole ensemble with more cupholders, a power socket and USB/jack-plug sockets for MP3 players. The lack of a conventional handbrake (it's electric instead) makes all this possible.

Now it's time for a drive. The previous Meriva was nothing special here, except that there was a racy VXR version which was massively entertaining to drive and which no one bought. Its turbocharged liveliness proved prescient, because now two of the three available petrol engines are again turbocharged to give them the energy of engines rather larger than their 1.4 litres. With 120bhp or 140bhp, these engines fit today's downsizing mantra perfectly. I tried both; a 100bhp non-turbo and two diesels are also offered.

The 120bhp version feels less powerful than it is, but at least its CO2 output is fractionally lower than the non-turbo car's. So the 140bhp Meriva is the one to have, if you can justify the extra £775, because it has enough spark to make it properly fun to drive even if it's no VXR. It gets a six-speed gearbox, too.

Both cars cope well with bumps, and our Vauxhall Merivas (as opposed to mainland Europe's Opels) have UK-specific settings for their electric power steering. These reduce the glutinous resistance too often found in such systems, so the steering self-centres more easily and feels more natural around the straight-ahead. Quite why other countries should want it any other way is hard to fathom.

One curious aspect of the Meriva's marketing is that the version called Exclusiv is not the top model. That role belongs to the presumably more-Exclusiv SE. Never mind; it doesn't stop the new Meriva from being a useful, likeable, good-looking and well-thought-out MPV.

The Rivals

Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 THP 150: from £19,405.

Spacious, more wieldy than seven-seat Grand. Airily futuristic outside and in. Turbo petrol engine is high spot in otherwise dull drive.

Ford Focus C-Max 1.8: from £17,665.

Typically excellent Focus driving feel, but 125bhp engine is dated. Rear seats slide and converge like Meriva's. New model arrives soon.

Mercedes-Benz A180: from £16,780.

Keenly-priced. A-class looks neat, has "premium" feel, and is fun to drive. Not quick (116bhp), but it deserves to be more popular.

Ellesmere Port Vauxhall car plant almost doubles production

VAUXHALL’S Ellesmere Port plant has almost doubled car production as more stable conditions return to the automotive sector.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that UK car production rose by 90.2% in March, the fifth consecutive monthly increase and the biggest in the society’s 40 year history.

It follows probably the worst downturn in car sales in decades after finances dried up as the credit crunch took hold.

Vauxhall spokesman Dennis Chick said: “We are looking at extremes here. Last year was a disaster, but things are slowly getting back on track.”

In January 2009 Ellesmere Port produced 3,860 Astra models.

In February that rose slightly to 4,055 and in March it was 5,280.

The plant also suffered four weeks of non-production between January and February as demand slumped.

By comparison Ellesmere Port has a maximum production capacity of 16,666 cars a month. But this January production hit 8,231 cars, a 113.24% year-on-year increase compared with January 2009.

In February Ellesmere Port made 7,999 vehicles – a 97.26% increase compared with the previous year – and last month production was 89.24% ahead on 9,992 cars.

Mr Chick added: “Demand right across Europe is going up and that is why Ellesmere Port is doing well.

“They’re running at pretty good rates now and we are cautiously optimistic.”

Vauxhall Astra GSI spied

The latest edition of the Vauxhall Astra GSI has arrived, and will top the range until the arrival of the VXR in 2011.

It’s full speed ahead at Vauxhall! Still fresh from its launch late last year, the new Astra isn’t exactly looking dated, but the wraps are already off the sporty GSI model, which was caught testing undisguised in Germany.

The GSI will be semi-hot hatch to whet our appetites before the arrival of the full-blooded VXR model next year. From the pictures you can clearly see the tweaked front end and twin exhausts, while the car sits several centimetres lower to the ground than the standard model.

This version will get a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-pot putting out 190bhp. That should mean than it will beat the old GSI’s 143mph top speed and improve on the 0-62 time of 8.2 seconds.

Vauxhall Ampera Steps Into Pre-Production Phase

Last Friday the first pre-production model of the Opel/Vauxhall Amprea electric Sedan rolled off the line at GM’s Pre-Production Operations’ assembly line in Warren, Michigan. That means the car is almost ready for mass production, after they fully developed a few more things and did some other tests, such as the final vehicle software and controls, fine tuning the vehicles’ driving characteristics, and performing safety and structural integrity testing!

“We’re right on target for producing the Ampera for European markets later next year,” said Andrew Farah, Vehicle Chief Engineer for Ampera. “There’s still work to be done, but being able to drive an Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe.”

The Ampera, which is the European version of Chevy Volt, is powered by electric motors and also comes with a gasoline engine which only acts as an electricity generator to fill up the batteries. On a full charge, the car can cover a distance of only 30 miles, but when the generator kicks in, the range is extended to 300 miles. It’s a plug-in electric powertrain and that means you can also charge it via power outlets at your home.

Vauxhall has plans to put the Ampera on sale in Britain by 2012.

Vauxhall VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge

Calling all thrill-seekers: would you like to go on a journey of adrenaline-pumping fun? Then sign up to the VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge for the ultimate combination of exhilarating driving and spine-tingling rollercoaster rides!

The VXR Power Events Rollercoaster Challenge is inviting all owners of Vauxhall VXR/V8 and Vauxhall performance models to embark on a cross-country drive from either Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Thorpe Park to the world-famous Alton Towers, taking in some of the UK's best rollercoasters in just one day.

This heroic feat isn't just about unrivalled thrills though. Through sponsorship of your challenge, you'll have the opportunity to raise money for Help for Heroes - a fantastic charity supporting the brave men and women of the British forces who have been wounded in the service of their country.

There are a 100 places available (plus passengers) so adrenaline junkies get in quick if you want to be part of this exciting 'coaster challenge.

Tickets cost just £10 per person per car for entry to both theme parks! This high performance package includes a fast-track entry pass and exclusive parking at the theme parks, with the option to remain at Alton Towers for the rest of the day to enjoy all the attractions.

The New Limited Edition Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition

British Summertime may have begun, but Vauxhall's latest addition to the VXR range still looks cooler than last week's snowstorms, yet its performance is as hot as ever.

Priced at £23,595 on the road - just £720 more than the standard Vauxhall Astra VXR - each of the 500 Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Editions are painted in Olympic White with a contrasting black painted roof, mirror covers, front V-grille and tailgate trim, ensuring that this version of the Vauxhall Astra VXR looks like no other.

Each Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition also gets a generous £1965 worth of options included in its price. Heated leather Recaro front seats, tinted glass and Black 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels all now form part of the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's armoury.

And for the first time on a VXR product, customers can also specify their Arctic Edition with the Panoramic Windscreen, a £920 option that offers a window on the world that extends back over the front seats with heat-absorbing glass. And if the skies are grim, a full-length shading system with pull-out sunblinds is also included.

Of course, none of this diminishes the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's exceptional performance. With 240PS of power and 320Nm of torque between 2400 and 5000rpm, it'll hit a top speed of 152mph, with 60mph arriving from standstill in just 6.2 seconds. Lowered and uprated VXR sports suspension, ultra-low profile 235/35 x 19 tyres and 321mm front ventilated brakes discs complete the Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition's dynamic package.

And what better way to test a new Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic Edition than at Vauxhall's VXR Power Events. Starting this month and culminating in the VXR Power Festival at Silverstone in August 2010, Power Events gives VXR drivers and enthusiasts the chance to test their mettle (and their metal) in a series of driving challenges.

The Vauxhall Antara Will Be Johnny Budden's Official Support Vehicle

Vauxhall Motors are proud to announce that they are supplying a Vauxhall Antara as Johnny 'Sticky' Budden's official support vehicle for his 1000 miles of Parkour to Paris Challenge.

Beginning his 1000 mile journey in mid April 2010, Johnny, a professional Parkour Practitioner, is aiming to run over a marathon a day. Johnny aims to travel from John O'Groats in Scotland to Paris using Parkour to overcome any obstacles in his way, starting with an ultra - marathon of 100 miles in one day.

Parkour: A sport or athletic activity in which the participant seeks to move quickly and fluidly through an area, often an urban locale, by surmounting obstacles such as walls and railings and leaping across open spaces, as in a stairwell or between buildings.

Whilst Johnny tackles obstacles testing both mental and physical strength and endurance, the Vauxhall Antara will be used to store all nutrition, navigate the journey and will aid Johnny in exploring both the city limits and remote areas of countryside.

"Having worked with Vauxhall before, doing a series of underground Parkour workshops, it's great to be working with them again" says Johnny 'Sticky' Budden. "The Vauxhall Antara will be perfect as a support vehicle and I have no doubts it will rise to the occasion - I'm very jealous of the support driver!"

With the value placed upon body movement and agility in Parkour, Johnny's 1000 miles of Parkour to Paris Challenge is in aid of Motor Neurone Disease, with Johnny recognising this as an extremely serious cause.

The New Vauxhall Astra On Display At The Home Office Scientific Development Branch Exhibition

The recent HOSDB 2010 exhibition organised by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch saw Vauxhall proudly display the new generation Vauxhall Astra police vehicle on a stand hosted by the Association of Chief Police Officers Intelligent Transportations Systems Working Group (ACPO ITS).

Vauxhall were invited onto the ACPO stand not only thanks to their long history with the association but also in recognition of the ongoing work carried out by the Special Vehicles Operation team based at Millbrook in Bedfordshire. Vauxhall Special Vehicles are currently working with a number of partners on behalf of ACPO, to study the future of equipment installation in police vehicles. In particular they are working with the Metropolitan Police Services Team lead by Nigel Jakubowski, Director Metropolitan Transport Services and the ACPO ITS team headed up by Chief Superintendent Jim Hammond in the development of the One Box Single Vehicle Architecture.

The new Vauxhall Astra was displayed for the first time in full Metropolitan Police livery to visitors at the invitation only event, which this year was held in Farnborough, Hampshire. The HOSDB Exhibition brings together senior police officers, government and Home Office officials from the UK as well as law enforcement and public security representatives from across the globe to view the very latest in high tech equipment.

A limited number of stands at the exhibition were selected as being of special interest to a group of VIPs and ministers which included Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Security and Counter-terrorism, Lord West who opened the show Dick Ellam, Manager Vehicle Conversions for Vauxhall said: "It was a great honour to be asked to exhibit the new generation Astra at such an influential show, particularly with an organisation as well regarded as ACPO. We were delighted to be able to show our British built Astra to so many of the leaders in today's law enforcement industry."

The HOSDB Exhibition is the UK's only secure event for displaying the latest security equipment for law enforcement and public security. It focuses on the four key Home Office business areas: Crime and Policing, Security and Counter Terrorism, Identity Management and Border Security. The 2009 show saw visitors from 44 countries and over 3,000 security products as diverse as vehicles, microchips and body armour.

Vauxhall launches competition to star in TV ad

LONDON - General Motors-owned car marque Vauxhall is launching a digital competition for consumers to star in an ad campaign for its Corsa model.

The competition, called ‘Pop Art Idol', is based on the recent art-themed TV ad for the Corsa. The ad, by DLKW, again featured Corsa's C'mons puppet characters, with pop art images in the background.

Consumers can win the opportunity to feature in the next ad by loading up a pop art image of themselves to the Corsa Facebook fan page, accessible by PC, Mac or iPhone. Meanwhile, five runners-up will each win a two-foot square canvas of their pop art image.

The competition, devised by digital agency Marvellous, launches on Wednesday 7 April and runs until 31 May. The forthcoming TV ad, again by DLKW, will roll out later in the year.

Separately, Vauxhall has teamed up with etiquette guide publisher Debrett's to launch a guide to driving etiquette. The book, ‘Thoroughly Modern Motoring Manners from Debrett's and Astra', will be sold on Amazon for £5.99.

Vauxhall Offers The Chance To Win A New Vauxhall Ampera

The motto says it all: "Green Drivers Wanted!" Vauxhall is looking for Europe's greenest driver as part of its ecoFLEX Experience, a unique competition where entrants can show off their fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly driving skills.

Kicking off on 1st April 2010, Vauxhall will be looking for UK drivers to take part in a pan-European competition which it is jointly running with sister company, Opel. The contest will set out to find the driver who can squeeze the most mileage from one of Vauxhall/Opel's ecoFLEX models. But first, entrants will need to prove their eco-mettle in an on-line quiz, before proving their virtual driving and fuel-saving skills on an internet simulator.

The very best 'driver' from the UK along with 19 other participating European countries will then be invited to a multi-day event at the Sturup Raceway in Malmo, Sweden this summer. Here, contestants will receive professional tuition in a range of ecoFLEX models and the greenest driver overall will be named the "ecoFLEX Experience Champion".

And the prize? The winner will be awarded one of the very first Vauxhall Ampera production cars, which will hit the UK Market at the start of 2012.

Vauxhall Named Fleet Manufacturer of The Year

The coveted title - Fleet Manufacturer of the Year - has been awarded to Vauxhall at the 2010 Fleet News Awards held on Wednesday 17th March 2010 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year is not only one of the prestigious Headline Awards at the event, it is also one of the most coveted honours of the night as it is voted for entirely by independent fleet managers across the country.

Maurice Howkins, Fleet Sales Director for Vauxhall said: "We're absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from our customers, especially in such testing times for the industry. We strive to provide our customers not only with a great choice of vehicles, including our award winning ecoFLEX range, but also with the best support network in the industry from our fleet sales and aftersales teams and our retailers."

Commenting, Fleet News editor Stephen Briers said: "Vauxhall's extensive dealer network, the innovative way it maintains its market position and its strong fleet model line-up, which includes the ecoFLEX green range, were behind our readers' decision to vote Vauxhall as their fleet manufacturer of the year."

Every year, the highly influential Fleet News Awards reward the best fleets, suppliers and manufacturers in the country for their hard work, great products and commitment to best practice initiatives that provide efficient, safe and environmentally-friendly transport solutions to drivers.

Vauxhall has been a mainstay of the UK fleet industry for decades, with a strong product line-up including the new Vauxhall Astra, Vauxhall Insignia and Vauxhall Corsa and the award winning ecoFLEX range.

The comprehensive vehicle range is backed up by a large network of retailers - more than 400 - to cope with any company's geographical spread. The network is further bolstered by the Vauxhall Fleet aftersales team, who have helped the Vauxhall Insignia and Vauxhall Zafira become the bestselling cars in their segments.

Vauxhall Ampera may make Merseyside green

Hopes that Britain could become the hub of a global green motoring revolution were boosted yesterday when Vauxhall indicated that its Ellesmere Port plant could become the home of the new electric Ampera.

The Merseyside factory is expected to go to a third shift this year when production begins — months earlier than expected — of the new Vauxhall Astra estate. But the standing of the plant would be greatly enhanced it it does become the European production base of the Ampera, the new extended-range electric vehicle that General Motors, Vauxhall’s American parent, is promoting as a big rival to the Toyota Prius hybrid.

Whereas most electric cars going into production will be suitable only as city runarounds with a range of a few dozen miles, the Ampera will have a range of more than 350 miles on an electric motor fuelled by a lithium-ion battery and petrol or ethanol.

Nick Reilly, chief executive of General Motors Europe, said: “The chances are quite good that the Ampera will come to Ellesmere Port as it is close in production terms to the Astra and will share many components.”

He added that production could start in 2013 and reach 50,000 cars a year. That compares with 191,000 Astras and Astravans built at Ellesmere Port over the past two years, a figure that will grow when production starts on the Astra estate.

The news that the Ampera may come to the UK follows the announcement last week that from 2013 Nissan is to build the Leaf, its new electric car, at Sunderland, where it will also build the batteries. In addition, Ford is to spend £1.5 billion on the research, design and production of cleaner, greener petrol and diesel engines already made at three plants in the UK.

Any commitment by Vauxhall to bring the Ampera to the UK will come with heavy caveats and pleas for further state subsidy. It has already received £270 million of loan guarantees from the Government to increase Astra production.

For the Ampera to come to Britain, “the conditions must be favourable”, Mr Reilly said. “If there is no incentivisation, you would be more likely to go where the incentives might be, like Spain or elsewhere.”

The Government is already committed to make £5,000 available to buyers of electric vehicles in Britain, similar to the £2,000 scrappage scheme to trade in old cars. However, Mr Reilly said that incentives would need to be extended to fleet buyers. He said that there was already interest from government and corporate fleet buyers for 1,000 of the cars at a time but they would have to be encouraged by government subsidy.

He also said that the development of Britain as a green motoring hub would need to be backed up with support encouraging suppliers of parts to manufacture in Britain.

“There will need to be tax incentives and research grants to get suppliers to set up in Britain,” he said.

April 1 Showroom tax

SHOWROOM tax rates of up to £950 will be added onto the retail price of new cars from April 1.

The first-year VED rate comes into force for high CO2 emission cars – and will be a shock to car buyers!

It was announced in the Budget last year but has since been forgotten by those in the market for new cars. The highly publicised scrappage scheme has diverted attention from the emissions-based tax – but is set to hit high-polluters hard.

Here’s a brief fact-finder on the key issues…

What’s it all about?
It is the Government’s way of penalising high-emission cars and encouraging low-emission sales.

£950 for road tax though – what’s that all about?
Cars emitting more than 255g/km will be hit with this first-year rate. This will be added to the delivery charge of the vehicle – and may result in list price rises of around £500 for high-polluters.

So that’s nearly £1k every year for road tax of big-engined cars, then?
No. After the first year VED rate, charges revert to the standard road tax rate. This, for a high-CO2 car, will be £435.

How can I help car buyers to avoid it?
Guide them to a car that emits 130g/km CO2 or less. These cars escape the ‘showroom tax’. Even better, if they emit less than 100g/km, they are charged no road tax fee at all!

Sounds like money will be made by someone here
Well, according to the BBC, changes to vehicle excise duty is forecast to raise £735m for the Government in 2010-11…

Vauxhall Insignia VXR Review

The Vauxhall Insignia was introduced as the replacement for the Vauxhall Vectra and was immediately and justifiably voted European Car of the Year. This is a vast model range that covers most tastes and outlooks from eco-motoring to the load-lugging Sports Tourer. And now we have the Vauxhall Insignia VXR version to add to the list.

The VXR range came in being in 2003, as a sister brand to the Opel OPC and set slightly apart form the mainstream cars. In the early days it was a hint at the very successful VX Racing team, which currently holds three British Touring Car Championship titles. For the rest of us, it started with the Vauxhall Astra VXR, before going on to represent an almost standalone brand with the advent of the VXR220 and the Monaro.

So, now it is the turn of the Vauxhall Insignia and not just the saloon but the hatch and Sports Tourer models as well. Prices start at £32,290 for the hatch and saloon and £33,690 for the estate version. Models with satellite navigation are a little more expensive at £33,125 and £34,525, respectively. The Vauxhall Insignia VXR test car had a couple of the optional extras; lightweight forged 20-inch alloy wheels (£1,000) and the Leather Pack, which includes 8-way, electronic seat adjustment and powered, folding mirrors for £1,300. The remainder of the features list that came with the car tended more towards technology and engineering, than niceties.

I have mentioned that the seats were clad in leather but the sports seats are worthy of note, too. These aren't just any Recaros but have been designed especially for the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The more customary seat back is replaced by a hard plastic shell, which, despite the cushioning, is firm to say the least. The Vauxhall Insignia VXR already sits lower than the regular model and the driver's rear end is a further 15mm lower in the Recaros. The racing pose makes for increased support for the thighs and extra control during the inevitable exuberant driving. All that is missing is the 5-point harness. However, it is not a case of one size fits all; these High Performance front seats have height adjustment with a range of 65mm and 270mm, fore and aft movement. Furthermore, there are tilt adjustment and lumbar support controls.

Other sporty accessories include the newly-designed VXR steering wheel, a VXR gear knob for the 6-speed manual 'box and unique interior mouldings. The instrument dials have slightly different graphics and the VXR sill plates can be seen whenever the door is opened.

As you would expect from a Performance saloon/hatch/Sports Tourer, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's interior has an almost Spartan, technical feel to it. This impression is emphasised by the black headlining, which makes the cabin feel so enormous you almost expect to hear an echo.

Vauxhall tells us that the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's exterior design takes its cues from the GTC concept car that was first shown at the Geneva motor show in 2007. So, what we have is a much deeper front bumper than the standard model, with large, leaf-shaped mesh grilles either side of the central grille. The design of this main air intake has been simplified by removing some of the vanes from the lower area leaving just the large signature band and a single slat, both of which are chromed. The eye-like headlight clusters remain the same, as does the large bonnet with its distinctive crease down the middle.

This design line is carried over to the rear of the car where a somewhat reserved spoiler is integrated into the boot or tailgate. Below, a very large bumper houses the two chunky, matt-chromed, exhausts.

For those that need it, there is plenty of space in the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's boot and even more in the estate: 500-litres in the hatch, 530-litres in the saloon and 540-litres in the Sports Tourer. The latter is also said to be the fastest estate that Vauxhall has ever produced and also the first to have Adaptive 4x4 and an electronic limited slip differential.

And now we're getting to the heart of the matter - performance. Under the ample bonnet of every Vauxhall Insignia VXR lies a 2.8 V6 petrol engine, which for a performance saloon etc. doesn't seem that large. However, add in a twin-scroll turbocharger and it produces 325PS at 5,250rpm and 435Nm of torque, peaking at the same engine speed. The swift throttle responses are illustrated in the 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds with the estate taking just a fraction longer at 5.9 seconds. And all versions have a limited top speed of 155mph.

The Vauxhall Insignia VXR's straight-line speed and acceleration is nothing short of impressive; some might say scary. Bearing in mind that the engine is the same unit found in the V6 Elite Insignia but in the VXR it has been tweaked to produce a 25 per cent increase in power and 9 per cent more torque.

All of this is no good unless the drive gets to the appropriate wheels and those wheels stay on the road. So, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR comes with Adaptive 4x4. It functions in much the same way bas the system in the standard cars but it has been adjusted to cope with the extra performance

The Vauxhall Insignia VXR's Adaptive 4x4 system also features an electronic limited slip diff' as well as an upgraded version of Vauxhall's FlexRide system. Again, this latter is similar to the standard system but adapted to take account of the extra power. There are three main settings: Standard mode is for everyday driving with 'civilised' damping qualities. Sport, stiffens the damping and reduces body roll but pressing the VXR button produces a metaphoric, sharp intake of breath in that the steering becomes more direct and the damping even stiffer, while the throttle reaction becomes swifter still and the backlighting for the instrument dials turns red.

There is more. There are a further two aspects to the VXR button: 'bump' and 'roll'. The former means even more damper stiffening and at the same time makes sure that the wheels immediately make contact with the road after a bump. Roll reduces body roll further still, while Brembo brakes with advertised by colour-keyed callipers and vented, cross-drilled discs can stop the car in a very timely manner. In short, spirited driving is a rewarding and exhilarating experience but you wouldn't want to do it all day.

Another of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's highlights is the use of so-called HiPerStrut, which is a truncated version of High Performance Strut. This suspension system is used at the front and is designed to reduce torque steer and improve grip during fast cornering.

It is clear that the Vauxhall Insignia VXR isn't for everyone and, if the insurance ratings of 18E and 36E using the 20 and 40 tables, and annual VED, which at the time of writing is £405, doesn't go some way to preventing this mean machine falling into inappropriate or inexperienced hands, then the fuel economy just might. The official figures of 17.0mpg for the urban cycle, just 33.6mpg for the extra-urban and 24.7mpg for the combined, are not quite horrendous but driven as nature and Vauxhall intended, these numbers will be out of reach.

There is no doubting the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's capabilities, which, when explored in the right place and in the right manner, are a massive amount of fun. And, as you would expect from Vauxhall the quality of fit and finish, both inside and out is very good, which is something that is sadly missing from some of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's more ostentatious competitors.

Vauxhall launches cut-price Models

New models up to £3675 cheaper
Most miss out on equipment
Insignia better equipped


Vauxhall has launched cheaper versions of many of its models.

The new Expression and ES models are up to £3675 less expensive than the previous cheapest version.

The maximum headline saving is with the Zafira Expression, which now costs from £14,995 - a saving of £3675.

Most of the newcomers come with less equipment. You'll have to do without air-conditioning in the Zafira, for instance. The only exception to this is the new ES Insignia, which is £1700 cheaper, but comes with upgraded wheels and MP3-compatible stereo system.

All of the Expression and ES cars are available for a limited period in solid white or red

Vauxhall's new Expression and ES

Model Price from
Corsa Expression £9995
Astra Sport Hatch Expression £13,995
Astra 5dr Expression £13,995
Astra Twin Top Expression £17,995
Zafira Expression £14,995
Insignia ES £17,120

General Motors recalls 1.3m cars in latest safety scare

General Motors has become the latest company forced into a recall after uncovering power steering problems potentially affecting over a million cars, with bosses saying Toyota was partly to blame.


This followed an announcement from the Detroit-based company that it was to triple its investment in Europe to stabilise the business and win support from governments in the region.

GM announced today it needed to fix a motor in the power steering system for 1.3 million Pontiacs and Chevrolets across the Americas.

The group said the fault is related to a part developed by Jtekt, a supply joint backed by Toyota, the group that has been forced to recall millions of vehicles in the past few months.

Jamie Hresko, GM vice president of quality, said the company was working to fix the problem, adding that while the cars were still safe to drive “recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.”

“After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty,” said Mr Hresko.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSA) about the recall on Monday, after it had finished the investigation started in 2009.

The NHSA launched a probe of its own into 905,000 Cobalt models in the US at the end of January, after more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering. The fault had been connected to 14 crashes and one injury.

The cars found to have been affected by the power steering issues include the US comprise the Chevrolet Cobalt sold between 2005 and 2010, and the Pontiac G5 released between 2005 and 2006. In Canada, GM is calling in Pontiac Pursuits sold between 2005 and 2006, and the Pontiac G4s sold in Mexico during the same period.

Some of the drivers found the power steering would fail, but the company added that the vehicle “can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle”.

This marks the latest company to recall its vehicles after Toyota was forced to recall more than eight million vehicles in the US, Europe and China over safety issues.

These issues first focused on problems with drivers finding the accelerator pedal was getting stuck under the floor mats, while others found the risk of a jammed pedal sent the car out of control.

Last month, the group announced it would recall 8,500 Prius models in the UK over what it called an “inconsistent brake feel” while braking on bumpy roads. Ford, Honda, Nissan and Suzuki have also announced recalls.

This comes on the day that GM announced it would up its funding for its Opel business in Germany and Vauxhall in the UK to €1.9bn. Previously the group had hoped European governments would provide €2.7bn in funding support, but as the option looked less likely it agreed to up its investment in return for less than €2bn in loan guarantees.

While the UK, Spain, Poland and Austria, all of which have significant GM manufacturing operations, approved the company’s restructuring plan, Germany dragged its heels.

Nick Reilly, head of Opel and Vauxhall, said the commitment “should signal our determination to fix our business” and was optimistic its new plan would be well met in Europe.

Vauxhall takes it to the FlexTreme

COOL-looking concept the FlextTreme has been hailed as the clearest indication yet of Vauxhall’s intention to be a producer of very stylish but practical cars.

General Motors’ European design chief Mark Adams, speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, said that future Vauxhalls will be cars people will be proud to buy.

The American-owned giant has announced it will triple its investment and has committed 1.9 billion euros for the so-called GM Europe viability plan.

And Adams says he wants to show that electric vehicles do not have to be boring but can, with the technology developed by GM, be both environmentally friendly and enjoyably dynamic.

The FlexTreme can run just on its battery for around 30 miles or, with a small internal combustion engine replenishing the battery, expect a range 10 times as far.




"FlexTreme will never go into production on its own but shows you do not have to use the EV technology in a conventional car but have something sporting," said Adams.


"We have styling elements on FlexTreme which you will see in future Vauxhall and Opel models very soon, such as the new face.


"It gives a glimpse over the horizon of what is coming from GM in terms of design expressions. A stylish car is a compromise and with the Flextreme we wanted to show how practical a design could be as well."


He added: "We are really making an aspirational car which shows electric vehicles aren't just smooth rounded shapes which can be be boring, but can be a car which makes people proud to own and that the company is moving forward."

Miss England to front Vauxhall's Help for Heroes campaign

LONDON - Vauxhall is putting its brand behind Help for Heroes, the armed forces charity, in a two-year partnership.

Vauxhall has pledged to raise money for the charity and has signed-up serving soldier and current Miss England Katrina Hodge to front its efforts.

The car manufacturer has planned a series of events called Vauxhall VXR Power Events that will include "high-adrenaline" activities such as karting and motor racing.

The fundraising events will kick off in April, when Vauxhall dealerships around the country will launch their own fundraising initiatives to support Help for Heroes.

A Vauxhall spokesman said that the partnership was a good fit with the company, which has provided military vehicles for the armed forces in the past.

Vauxhall Beats Porsche, Audi & Jag As Car Choice Of Lotto Winners

New millionaires make B-line for Griffin-badged cars!

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – February 25, 2010: There’s no doubt that Vauxhall has raised the bar when it comes to producing premium cars at sensible prices, but an Ipsos MORI survey has now revealed that even lucky National Lottery winners are keen to splash their cash on models from one of the UK’s most popular brands.

In a survey of 100 National Lottery publicity winners who’d won £1 million or more, Vauxhall ranked No.4 in their automotive wish lists, in front of prestige brands like Range Rover, Porsche, Audi and Jaguar.

In total, 15 per cent of those surveyed purchased a Vauxhall after they received their winnings, illustrating how even newly-minted millionaires need cars that are practical, yet stylish, well-equipped and luxurious.

It is perhaps no surprise that cars were revealed as one of the most popular purchases for National Lottery winners, with 36 per cent choosing to visit a car showroom before visiting either an estate agent or even the high street shops*.

“This is great news for Vauxhall,” said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “It goes to show that, while exotic brands like Ferrari and Rolls Royce may feature further down National Lottery winners’ shopping lists, they’re still a pragmatic group at heart - but one that still recognises quality and value!”

Vauxhall Ampera road-trip

Spy shots show hybrid ahead of 370-mile road trip to Geneva

Vauxhall's Ampera is taking the scenic route to Geneva! First unveiled in concept form at last year's Geneva Motor Show, these pictures show the petrol-electric hybrid in training for its grand entrance in Switzerland this year.

Vauxhall bosses will drive a prototype model of the car from their headquarters in Russelheilm, Germany to Geneva just in time for it to take its place on the Vauxhall stand.

The Ampera uses a hybrid set-up that means it is driven by the 150bhp electric motor at all times. When the battery runs out of charge- after around 40 miles- a 1.4-litre petrol engine kicks in to act as a generator and recharge the battery.

All this means that the 370-mile journey from Germany can be completed while producing around 40g/km of CO2 and managing 176mpg economy.

These pictures are also the first that show a production prototype Ampera out in the open and, thankfully, the original concept's brave design has not been dulled down. There's a few mild tweaks to the nose and rear bumper but the futuristic looks are mostly intact.

Bosses revealed that the Ampera is scheduled to begin production at the end of 2011. When it goes on sale early in 2012 it's expected to cost around £30,000.

The New Vauxhall Astra Accessories Range

What will your all-new Vauxhall Astra be doing today? Ferrying your young ones to nursery or school? Load lugging from the DIY store? Perhaps it'll be living the highlife and transporting you off to your favourite restaurant or on a weekend break?

Whatever the occasion, you've got it covered with the Vauxhall Accessories range.

Stunning looks come as standard with all-new Vauxhall Astra but turn even more heads with the Vauxhall Astra Styling Pack. Boasting sporty VXR front lower spoiler, side sills, rear lower skirt and tailgate spoiler, it is supplied, painted and fitted for £1,499.

Then keep your shiny all-new Vauxhall tidy with tailored velour floor mats and a set of four mud flaps, available across the model range from £128.99.

At just £27, the Safety Pack is a must-have for all Vauxhall drivers. Complete with warning triangle, first aid kit and hi-visibility vest, it's reassuring to know you have every eventuality covered.

With bike racks, tow bars and much, much more on offer, take a look at the full list of accessories available from Vauxhall at your local retailer.

All New Vauxhall Astra VXR

Hottest Astra ever caught testing; packs 250bhp 2.0-litre turbo for 0-60mph in six seconds and a 150mph top speed.

These are the best shots yet of the fastest Astra ever! The high-performance VXR model looks set to shake-up the hot-hatch market as it goes head-to head with the Focus ST and VW's Golf GTI.

Our spies caught this protoype undergoing winter testing and while it may look like a regular five-door model, look closely and you'll spot the widened track and revised front end, complete with larger air intakes.

That's because under this mule's body lies the new three-door only Astra VXR. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the new VXR should put out around 250bhp and 320Nm of torque. That will be good enough for a 0-60mph time of 6 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

But the newcomer won't just be quick in a straight line. Vauxhall's adaptive FlexRide suspension means drivers can choose to put the car in 'Sport' or 'VXR' mode which will improve throttle response and stiffen the suspension for more agile handling. For a softer ride, drivers can simply push the 'Standard' button.

The finished article will have the visual muscle to match its performance with a coupe-like body, complete with a rakish roofline, ground-hugging body-kit and a large central exhaust pipe replacing the twin exhausts shown here.

Inside, as with the rest of the Astra range, the newcomer gets a totally redesigned cabin with high-quality soft-touch materials will be used, while equipment including a Bluetooth phone connection and an MP3 compatible stereo are set to appear.

The Astra VXR will be publicly unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September this year. Sales will begin in early 2011 starting at around £22,000.

Vauxhall Astra turns 30

Six generations and 2.8 million units later, the Vauxhall Astra is celebrating its 30th year in production this month.

The first Mk1 Astra rolled off the production line at Ellesmere Port in February 1980 and was Vauxhall’s first car to incorporate both front-wheel-drive and a transverse engine layout. In 1982, the Astra became the first Vauxhall ever to be offered with a diesel engine.

Sporting pedigree then followed with dominant spells in international motorsport, and the release of hot hatch derivatives including GTE, GSi and most recently, VXR - the badge that brought hot hatch hoonery back into fashion.

Today, the Vauxhall Astra accounts for almost one in 20 of all vehicles registered in the UK, while the latest MkVI version of Astra, the most convincing iteration yet, is Britain’s best-selling UK-built car. Happy birthday, Vauxhall Astra. Here's to the next 30 years...

Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept car

*The shape of things to come
*New electric concept car
*On show at Geneva motor show



This is the Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E electric concept car, which will make its debut at the Geneva motor show at the start of March.

The Flextreme GT/E is a four-door coupe that uses the same E-REV plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the Ampera, which will go on sale in 2012 for around £35,000.

With its battery fully charged – which takes three hours through a household socket – the GT/E has a projected range of 40 miles. That’s enough for the majority of journeys taken in the UK, but for longer trips there’s also a 1.4-litre petrol engine to generate more electricity and provide a total range of more than 300 miles.

175mpg and emissions of 40g/km
Vauxhall says the system provides an average 175mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km. With a 161bhp and 273lb ft of pull, the Flextreme GT/E, is capable of a 0-62mph dash in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.

The concept car is a little shorter than an Insignia family car, but is much lower and sleeker. Its rear doors are rear-hinged, like those on the new Meriva.

It is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible and has a drag coefficient of 0.22, lower than that of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, which is the most aerodynamically efficient production car with a figure of 0.24.

The Flextreme GT/E also has intakes at the front to guide airflow around the body. The wheels have low-rolling-resistance tyres, while 350mm-long active spoilers are deployed at speeds above 30mph to improve aerodynamics. There are no door mirrors, just small, drag-reducing cameras instead.

Vauxhall Extends Swappage Programme To Three More Models

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – February 12, 2010: Due to the astonishing success of its Swappage Programme, where buyers can trade in cars over seven years old to obtain a discount worth at least £3000, Vauxhall has extended the scheme to three more of its best-selling models: the Insignia, Meriva and Zafira.

That means that in addition to the generous discounts already available on the new Astra, Astra Sports Hatch and almost all Corsa models, buyers can now bag a fantastic deal on two of the most popular MPVs on the market and a recent Car of the Year winner.

Vauxhall’s Swappage offer allows buyers to use any seven-year-old UK-registered car with insurance, road tax and MOT – no matter what its value or condition – as currency to reduce the cost of any of the six models listed by at least £3000.

But in some cases, the deal is almost double that. For example, the Swappage price on a Zafira Life 1.6, which normally retails at £18,670, tumbles to just £12,995, if the buyer has an eligible trade in – that’s a massive saving of £5,675!

‘There’s never been a better time to buy a new Vauxhall,’ said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Retail Sales Director. ‘Better still, buyers can take full advantage of the Swappage programme just in time for the new ‘10’ plate on March 1.’

Vauxhall’s Swappage scheme launched on February 5th and applies to new cars ordered or registered before March 31 from participating dealers.

Vauxhall's eco concept

Teaser image previews new Ampera-based electric car set for Geneva Motor Show debut

THE Ampera has a big future ahead of it! Vauxhall has released this cryptic teaser shot ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, along with a handful of details of what will be on display.

Topping the bill will be an all-new concept that illustrates the firm’s claim that “size and comfort do not need to be sacrificed for a vehicle to be environmentally efficient” - suggesting it will take the form of a luxury four-door coupe or even an SUV. What it won't be is an MPV, insiders say.

The concept will feature the same Voltec plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Ampera - which uses electricity as its primary power source supplemented by a small petrol engine for charging the batteries. More will be revealed closer to the car’s official unveiling.

Also on the stand in Geneva will be the revised Corsa range, which gets a mid-life makeover and a new line-up of economical engines. In fact, every new Corsa bar the VXR model will exceed 50mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox. The latest ecoFLEX is the star of the range though - not only does it gain 20bhp but achieves a combined economy of 76.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

Vauxhall Astra Review

Did you know that the Vauxhall Astra is Britain's best-selling, UK-built car? Well, according to Vauxhall it is, and it has just morphed into a new model.

The new Vauxhall Astra appeared in showrooms in December and is expected to continue its best-selling run by offering "levels of innovation and technology normally found in a class above", with prices for the five-strong range starting at a reasonable, £15,675.

The Vauxhall Astra's five trim levels are: S, Exclusiv, Sri, SE and Elite. Add to this, a choice of eight engines with a new 1.3 ecoFLEX model arriving any time now, and there has to be something in the line-up to suit most tastes.

While Vauxhall expects that the diesel engines; a 1.7 CDTi with outputs of 110PS and 125PS or a 2.0CDTi 160PS, will be the favourites. However, the petrol units in the form of a 1.4VVTi in 87 or 100PS sizes and the 1.6VVTi or 1.6 without the VVTi but with a turbo, will certainly make a healthy contribution to the sales figures.

But let's go back to the most immediate selling point - image. It has been about six years since the Vauxhall Astra had a major overhaul. That was when the Mk5 took over and now we have the Mk6 with its new looks, which are more in keeping with the flagship Vauxhall Insignia and the new face of Vauxhall, in general.

Longer by 17cm than the previous model, the new Vauxhall Astra also boasts a longer wheelbase for that extra bit of cabin space. It is sleeker and more coupe-like than the previous generation and the exterior design has been somewhat simplified.

At the front, the lower grille has been widened and the foglights moved further out. Above, the new 'eagle-eye' headlight clusters accentuate the width of the car as does the new grille complete with updated logo.

In profile, the new Vauxhall Astra looks lean and low, whether it sits on 16- or 18-inch wheels. The design line or 'blade' that runs along the base of the doors, flicks upwards just ahead of the rear wheels, forming an imaginary line that joins up with the tapered edge of the triangular rear quarterlights. The roof also tapers and, together with the wraparound rear screen and taillight units, helps to complete the sporty look.

There is a subtle shoulder line that rises just short of the Vauxhall Astra's front wheelarches and moves through the door handles, rear light clusters and joins at the logo on the boot. Although the rear haunches are emphasised, the rear end displays smart, clean lines but remains unmistakably Vauxhall.

Inside the Vauxhall Astra is a different matter. To clarify, I'm only referring to the centre console, which has a bewildering array of buttons, labels and illumination. Admittedly, some of it is linked to the sat-nav but it is still overly complicated. Some time with the handbook is recommended as initially, it is far from 'at-a-glance' operation. Perhaps I was having a bad day but I had to do just that in order to find out how to switch the radio on and input into the navigation system.

Once mastered, the Satellite navigation system proved to be far better than the one that took me to Vauxhall's offices in the first place. Unfortunately, for a car that is likely to spend a great deal of its working life travelling the country, sat-nav is only available as an option on every trim level and added £832.72, to the £22,408.04, asking price of the Vauxhall Astra test car.

The Vauxhall Astra's CD Navi 500 comprises a full-colour, 7-inch screen with scroll and zoom functions, postcode recognition and 1GB flash memory. On the audio side, there are seven speakers, iPod and MP3 ports. The standard issue audio system also has seven speakers, radio/CD, iPod connection, graphic equalizer and a secondary tuner to compensate for areas of bad reception. There is also a 6CD changer available and an Infinity Premium Audio system on offer as well as a hands-free telephone system but again, these seem to be extras throughout the range

Vauxhall launches £3,000 swappage scheme

Vauxhall is offering customers at least £3,000 for trade-ins aged over seven years on a selection of new cars from now until the end of March.

The carmaker has called its scheme Vauxhall Swappage, Toyota starting using the same term last month, and can be used to buy the recently launched Astra five-door, Astra Sport Hatches and most new Corsa models.

No age limit

Vauxhall said the scheme will only apply to customers with a car which is at least seven years old and is covered by insurance, road tax and MoT. Vauxhall said it would not impose an upper age limit on the used car would accept cars from customers who had only owned it for 90 days.

"We're determined that our customers will continue to enjoy excellent offers as the government's scrappage scheme comes to an end," said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall's retail sales director.

"Vauxhall Swappage not only increases the amount of discount off selected Vauxhalls from £2,000 to at least £3,000, but it also widens the net to cars over seven years old, compared with 10 years plus in the old, government-backed scheme."

New Vauxhall Astra to be displayed in giant snow globe

Vauxhalls new Astra, which has chrome-effect front car headlights, is to be displayed in a giant bespoke snow globe at an up-and-coming event.

The globe has been made especially for the Vauxhall Ice Skate event this Thursday (January 28th) and will be filled with 50 bags of artificial snow.

Chart-topper Mr Hudson is to DJ at the event, as are Stings daughter Coco Sumner and radio and TV presenter George Lamb.

It was announced yesterday that singer Paloma Faith will also be appearing at the event, having cancelled a photo shoot in New York so that she can attend.

As standard, the new Astra comes with automatic lighting control with tunnel detection and rain-sensitive windscreen wiper blades.

Motorists can also choose to add the Premium Forward Lighting Pack to their purchase. This includes intelligent adaptive forward lighting, incorporating dark-style bi-xenon car headlight bulbs.

The pack also features LED daytime-running car lights and high-pressure headlight washers.

Vauxhall to launch pop-art themed ad campaign for Corsa

Vauxhall is launching a new pop-art themed TV ad campaign to promote the new Corsa range.

The ad aims to “put the Pop Art into driving” and builds on the success of the previous C'mons creatives.

The new TV campaign takes a style led approach showcasing the car through imagery reminiscent of the Pop Art Movement. Through a mix of static and moving shots, primary colours, the psychedelic 'Run' Gnarls Barkley soundtrack and the popular C'mons puppets who feature in key elements of the advertisement, the 40 second film helps show how Corsa puts the fun back into driving.

Andy Gilson, marketing director for Vauxhall, says: “Corsa remains one of the UK's most popular small cars and we felt that Pop Art would be a great way to communicate the car's style credentials in a fun contemporary way.”

The campaign will first appear on television on 1 February 2010 and was created by DLKW London with media planning through Carat. The Pop Art theme will continue throughout the year with further TV, print, online activity and other communications.

All New Astra 24 HR Test Drive

The All New Astra is now available for 24 HR Test Drives at all Vauxhall Approved Dealers Nationwide.

Get behind the wheel for 24 hrs and feel for yourself why the New Vauxhall Astra is set to win Car of the Year 2010.

For further information, or to book your 24 hr test drive, send your name, address , phone number and email to discountvauxhall@googlemail.com.

Vauxhall hopes new Movano will shake up van market

Vauxhall’s new Movano van will go on sale in May with 29 different body styles to choose from.

Vauxhall says special attention has been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas and there is a new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines.

The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear.

The new Vauxhall Movano will offer a wide selection of variants as well as a tailor-made model for nearly every potential customer profile. The full range includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.

Cab comfort and safety has been enhanced in a number of areas such as driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column that allows for relaxed driving on the longest journeys. Meanwhile the options list includes items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table. There’s also an array of easy-to-reach storage compartments.

The cargo area of the new Movano offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres, and load capacity of up to 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version). Front-wheel drive variants feature low sill heights while all models offer side sliding and rear access doors. Large door apertures make access for large loads and Euro palettes easy.

Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.

Fuel consumption is expected to be among best in class when all versions are launched, depending on model and engine. The new engines have been designed with a 250,000 mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.

The advanced chassis has been tuned to be agile but also comfortable, both when loaded and empty. Active and passive safety equipment includes ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models while electronic stability program (ESP) is also standard on rear-wheel drive and optional for front-wheel drive versions. Passive safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.

The launch phase of the new Movano will be staggered according to the body variants and vehicles will be available in the UK from May.

to enquire on our Discount Van Prices contact discountvauxhall@googlemail.com

New Vauxhall Astra ecoFLEX

The first ecoFLEX low-CO2 version of the new Vauxhall Astra will go on sale in the UK in April. Fitted with a 94bhp 1.3-litre turbo diesel engine, the ecoFLEX has higher gearing, an ECU programmed to keep down fuel consumption and various aerodynamic tweaks.

The result of all this is official combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, resulting in annual VED payments of £35 and a 13% Benefit In Kind tax rating for business customers.

The ecoFLEX will be available in the S, Exclusiv, SE and SRi trim levels, priced from £17,920.

Email discountvauxhall@googlemail.com for discounted rates on the New Astra EcoFlex

All-New Astra Augmented Reality- the 3D Experience

Following on from Vauxhall’s technical and design brilliance in developing and producing the all-new Astra, they have commissioned an exciting and innovative piece of Augmented Reality...

It's a bit like having a digital hologram of the all-new Astra in the palm of your hand, all be it in front of your computer screen and is designed to highlight two of the all-new Astra’s unique features- FlexRide and AFL+

For those who might wonder just what Augmented Reality is, the official line is that it’s a combination of real world and computer generated data (hence the virtual 3D drive!), where computer graphics and objects are blended into real footage in real time.
As we all know, some web images can be a bit static. Vauxhall, showcasing their innovative thinking, wanted to provide a slightly deeper, more interacting and engaging method of experiencing the all-new Astra via the web.

Of course, please do head down to your local dealership and test drive the all-new Astra for yourself, if you haven’t already! But in the meantime, don’t be shy to take the virtual 3D driving experience at work or at home (and if you are feeling especially brave and AR talented, record yourself via you webcam and upload your 3D drive video to your social network pages or send it on to your friends).

To find the 3D virtual drive, you will just need to head over to www.astra-and-action.co.uk , click on the gallery tab from the top bar navigation and then select the 3D Experience.

Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Turbo SRi

Until the VXR arrives, this 1.6-litre turbo is the fastest way you can get to 60mph in a Vauxhall Astra - 7.9 seconds. It does so with a fine engine that produces 178bhp and 170lb ft of torque, plenty of poke for a warm hatch. It's a smooth ride and, other than a keen taste for petrol, it's a relaxing bit of kit. Lovely.

But what we're really here to review is the £425 optional ‘FlexRide'. Now, FlexRide might sound like apparatus you'd procure from a shop with blacked-out windows, but it's less interesting than that. It essentially allows you to change suspension settings between ‘Normal', ‘Tour' and ‘Sport'. There's not much between Normal and Tour, although at least neither ruin the ride. Switch it to Sport, however, and the throttle sharpens, the ride hardens and the whole experience deteriorates, because this isn't a supercar at the Nürburgring. The sense of novelty is heightened by the fact that, when you switch to Sport, the backlighting in the binnacles changes to red. You are now, God forbid, driving a ‘hero car'. Except you're not, you're being shafted by a marketing gimmick.

New Astras entering used car market – opportunity on older model

With the arrival of an all-new and very attractive Astra at the end of Last year, the used market for nearly new Astras is in flux.

Used Car Expert magazine & website estimates that there are roughly 2,000 used Vauxhall Astras for sale at garages around the UK at any one time.

New-shape Astras (launched at the end of 2009), mainly 5 door variants, are entering the market already at all sorts of discount rates. There are less than a 100 out there but those numbers are going to increase rapidly over the next couple of months.

Editor Matt Tumbridge commented, "A 1.7 CDTI SRI is over £19,000 when new, but ex-demonstrators are already around for as little as £12,500. Which is the sort of money you would normally expect to pay for a 1 year old old-shape model at a Network Q centre. That being the case, it is a buyer’s market for the nearly new, old shape Astras. Main dealers need rid to make way for the more desirable new model. So why not make an insulting offer?"

His advice to car buyers prepared to haggle was, "Open with £9,000 for a 1 year old car with 6,800 average miles and reluctantly move to £10,000 in £250 increments. Grind them down and you will walk away with a car that feels like new but is literally half price."

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Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 2.0i

EVEN the most die-hard socialist would have to admit there are benefits of capitalism, the chief one being competition improving quality.

Nowhere is this more acute than in the car industry where manufacturers are continually trying to get one step ahead of their rivals.

Put simply, if there were no competitors, cars would simply not evolve and improve at the rate they do.

We would all be driving around in something akin to a Lada rather than the latest Vauxhall Insignia.

The 'benefits of capitalism' adage works well when applied to the Insignia, Vauxhall's latest family saloon, hatch and estate. Compared to the old Vectra it represents a significant step up in almost every department and perhaps the chief reason for that is the excellence of the Ford Mondeo.


The age-old Ford-Vauxhall battle continues in the mass market, be it between the Focus and the Astra or the Mondeo and the Insignia.


The latest incarnation of the Mondeo is excellent in pretty much every respect, meaning big things were demanded of its latest Vauxhall rival, particularly as in recent years the Vectra had pretty much played second fiddle.


Perhaps the name change reflects a sea change in the product and it would be not wide of the mark to suggest the Insignia is a world away from the old Vectra. Not that it was a bad car but the Insignia really is in a different league.


Looks-wise, the saloon and hatch have the sort of presence that combine a big chunky executive profile with a sleek and classy look that has slight echoes of the Jaguar XF.


The estate too has that curvy lifestyle wagon look rather than that of an essential load-lugger.


Those first impressions of a quality product continue on the inside. Sit in and close the driver's door and it shuts with a reassuring Mercedes-style thud. The Insignia feels very well put together and though it has a big solid feel, it is not a cumbersome or heavy vehicle.


The finish and trim is overtly premium and the centre console and dash impress with an array of contemporary switches and dials. Arguably there is a little bit too much going on but it's easy enough to navigate your way round.


The Insignia feels good on the road, the ride quality in particular standing out. It also offers excellent handling with enough character as a driver's car to ensure it is a winner. Is it as good as the Mondeo in this respect? A tough call but I would say the Mondeo just about edges it. That said the Insignia feels a little more plush and premium. You feel more cossetted from the real world in a cocoon that is remarkably un-Vauxhall-like for want of a better description.


At the moment Vauxhall really are turning out an excellent crop of new cars, with the Insignia arguably being the leader of the pack.


FAST FACTS


Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 2.0i


Price: £23,885


Mechanical: 220bhp 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox


Max speed: 147mph


0-62mph: 7.5 seconds


Combined mpg: 31.7


Insurance group: 14


CO2 emissions: 209g/km


BIK rating: 29%


Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range was the top-selling in 2009

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range was the top-selling green range among UK fleet buyers in 2009, it has been revealed.

The carmaker it sold twice as many vehicles from its range of greener cars as any other UK competitor. In total ecoFLEX models made up a staggering 26 per cent of its total fleet diesel sales and 9 per cent of the total 2009 Vauxhall fleet sales.

The sub-119g/km 5-door Corsa 1.3 CDTi was the most popular vehicle for fleets over the last 12 months, accounting for almost 40 per cent of ecoFLEX sales and again proving to be nearly three times as popular as its nearest competitor. The 5-door Astra estate and 5-door hatchback were the second and third most requested, followed closely by the Insignia 5-door hatchback.

Paul Adler, Brand Manager Vauxhall Fleet commented: “Vauxhall are committed to delivering on the twin pillars of reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy to bring true savings to fleet decision makers and company car drivers alike. The ecoFLEX range makes it easy for business car buyers to be ‘green’ as well as save money. And with more Vauxhall ecoFLEX models to come, we believe 2010 will see even greater growth.”

The Vauxhall ecoFLEX range can offer fleets considerable cost savings over the life of the car. Some ecoFLEX models fall into Vehicle Excise Duty Band A, meaning they attract £0 excise duty. The entire range qualifies for the Capital Allowance regime, which allows fleet decision makers to write down 20 per cent of the car’s cost, and offset 100 per cent of the lease payments against tax.

Indeed, the new Corsa 1.3CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) models and the New Astra 1.3CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) models offer CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km qualifying for a 100 per cent writing down allowance. In fact, the new Corsa 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX (95PS) 3-dr model’s CO2 emissions have dropped to just 98g/km, matching the best in class, and are complemented by a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg.

Savings on fuel are another benefit with ecoFLEX, the Astra 5dr Hatchback and Insignia 5dr Hatchback models show on average between 11 and 12 per cent improvement in combined fuel economy when compared to the standard equivalent, which means that each vehicle is able to travel over 50 miles further on a single tank of fuel.

Vauxhall now offers over 50 different ecoFLEX models to support businesses and drivers, one of the largest ranges of environmental models in the UK. It has created a microsite (www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/microsite/ecoflex) dedicated to highlighting the benefits of ecoFLEX to its customers.

Dark Horses - Astra Sport and Corsa SRI

VXR styling kit
Lowered suspension
Multi-spoke alloys with ultra-low-profile tyres
MP3 connectivity
Chrome-effect interior console


for more information on these limited edition Astra and Vauxhall models, contact discountvauxhall@googlemail.com

GM boss: Vauxhall will be a winner

THE European president of Vauxhall parent General Motors (GM) says the firm’s 2,000 staff in Ellesmere Port can help the company become a winner once again.

GM has been battered by the recession as car sales have slumped.

Its European arm, including Vauxhall and German brand Opel, was set to be sold off to Canadian car parts firm Magna last year until GM had a last-minute change of heart.

Nick Reilly, a former manager at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, took charge of GM Europe last year.

In a personal message to staff he said the company needed to cut more costs to cope with the global slump in car sales – but said it was well-placed to build on its heritage and start growing once again.

He said the firm needed to move quickly to cope with a "very difficult market" in 2010 in which Western European car sales would be 1.5m down on 2009.

GM Europe is continuing to restructure its manufacturing operations and is set to cut 9,000 jobs, though Ellesmere Port looks set to escape job cuts.

Mr Reilly said he would work closely with trade unions during the restructuring process.

He said: "It is time for Opel/Vauxhall to be clear winners again and to be recognised as clear winners.

"By taking the right decision, we will reverse the downward trend in market share, we will return to profitability, we will have a brand that people want to buy and be associated with and we will lay the foundations of sustainable success.

"I believe we already have many of the elements in place to be a winner. We have proven our technical capabilities through our latest products, we have a strong dealer network, we have the skills of our people, we have a great heritage and we have the goodwill of many outside the company who want to see us succeed.

"We will lead through our products. We will lower our cost levels so that we can be profitable in a weaker market."and we will use that profit to reinvest in new products, new technology and new facilities."

Mr Reilly also stressed the importance of GM Europe’s links to its Detroit-based parent, which he said had "kept the company alive" with its financial support.

Scottish buyers make Vauxhall pop during 2009

Vauxhall has yet again clinched the mantle of Scotland’s best-selling car manufacturer in 2009, continuing its market dominance north of the border for the third year in a row.

The Corsa supermini has led Vauxhall’s charge in Scotland, out-selling all other cars for the second consecutive year with sales of 13,150 – nearly 2,000 units above its nearest rival.

“We are delighted to be Scotland’s biggest selling car manufacturer, and also buoyed by the Corsa’s dominance in what is a highly important market for us,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Sales Director.

While Vauxhall led the Scottish market with 15.7 per cent of sales during 2009, the company is keen to build on this still further this year with a raft of all new models.

Leading the march will be the all-new, British-built Astra, which entered Scottish showrooms last month and is already proving highly popular with buyers with its combination of premium design, class-leading technology and competitive pricing. Initially available as a five-door hatch (Estate and three-door Sport Hatch continue on the existing platform), a new estate, known as the Sports Tourer, will be available later in the year.

But Vauxhall’s most significant news for 2010 will be the new Meriva compact MPV, which goes on sale in June. With its clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a variety of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility, the 2010 Meriva is all set to turn the conventional concept of family car usability on its head.

Vauxhall’s Scottish sales success was supplemented by a huge growth in its retail sales throughout the UK, with last November and December yielding 128 per cent and 54 per cent growth respectively, year on year.

New Vauxhall Meriva: first interior images

These are the first interior shots of the new Vauxhall Meriva MPV.

When the first official pictures of the Vauxhall Meriva were released last week, we were excited by the practical design flourishes including the sinking window line and rear-opening doors, but as MPV customers will attest, it’s what’s inside that really counts.

The most family-friendly MPV yet

Vauxhall considers the new Meriva MPV to be the most versatile and family friendly model it has ever built. Up front, we can see that the panoramic glass roof and thinner A-pillars – the vertical frame between the doors and the windscreen – have really boosted visibility, and that sense of light and space extends to the rear of the cabin.

Designers have moved the instrument panel forward to increase space and comfort up front, and raised the driver height to provide a more commanding view of the road ahead. The two-tone cabin looks modern and well finished, although we’re looking forward to having a thorough poke around the car’s official unveil at the Geneva Motor Show in March.


'FlexDoor' design improves access

Vauxhall has christened its innovative rear-opening doors ‘FlexDoor’. This picture (right) hopefully demonstrates that a rear-hinged passenger door not only opens wider – allowing better ingress and egress – it can also create a semi-enclosed area that's better for controlling children at the roadside.

The rear doors can be opened independently of the fronts - unlike other similar designs on the market - but for safety reasons are electronically locked the moment the Meriva starts moving.

FlexRail and FlexSpace

Vauxhall is making much noise about the Meriva’s new ‘FlexRail’ centre console design. Two polished aluminium rails extend rearward along the cabin floor from below the electronic parking brake and connect up to a variety of accessories or ‘modules’ including arm rests, cup holders, aux-in, USB and 12v connections.

The clever ‘FlexSpace’ rear seats of the original Meriva – which allow the seats to fold, slide and store flat - are carried over in the all-new car, but have been upgraded with ‘one-touch’ actions. With the seats folded flat, boot space increases from 400 litres to 1,500 litres