Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is currently setting the standards for all other small cars to follow. It has all the hallmarks of Vauxhall’s new design ethos, with styling masterminded by Niels Loeb and Mark Adam’s designteam. Add to this all of the attributes you’d want from a small car: fuel economy, low road tax, lesser insurance groups, and you have a formula for a market leading small car.

The driveability of the new Corsa has come a long way. The improved chassis makes for good handling, and the EPS power steering is precise and full of feel. The steering system is a highlight of the new Corsa, designed for advanced driveability – it has just the right amounts of feedback and assistance in the right areas.

The amount of kit available in the new Corsa is also eye catching. If you’re a music fan, you may be tempted by the 7 loudspeakers and a multimedia screen connectable to your iPod or iPhone.There are numerous
editions of the Corsa available – the Expression, Exclusive, Excite, SXi, SE, Sri and VXR.

The price range for the Corsa rightly suggests a universal appeal. Entrylevel prices are £8,995 for the 1.0 litre petrol edition, whilst those looking for a hot hatch may look towards the Nurburging edition at around £22,000. The Nurburging is a specification that lies in Clio Sport territory: a superpower car not burdened by weight or size. The
Nurburging will do 0-60 in an earth shattering 6.5 seconds.

For the more practical driver, the CDTi ecoFlex models will have great appeal. EcoFLEX is Vauxhall’s fuel economical brand and offers a range of diesel engines that appear just the right size.  The 1.3 CDTi is fuel economy at its peak, whilst the 1.7 CDTi is only slightly thirstier but also delivers power where needed: a real all-rounder.

The new Corsa is a leader in its class and looks set to project the famous brand to new levels. Even if you are looking to buy a used vauxhall corsa you can pick them up cheap and still in great condition.

Redesigned, up-market face brings Corsa up to date with other new Vauxhalls
‘V’ grille replaced by chrome signature bar featuring new Griffin design
Five new colours and a host of new trims introduced to range
Luton – These are the first official shots of Vauxhall’s Corsa, sporting its fresh new face, trims and colours ready for delivery to first UK customers in February next year.

The Corsa, Vauxhall’s second best-selling model after the Astra, and a near-permanent fixture in the UK’s top-three best sellers’ list, has now adopted many of the premium styling cues from other recently launched Vauxhalls, such as the Insignia, Astra and Meriva.

Styled by Niels Loeb, Vauxhall/Opel’s Chief Exterior Designer working in Brit, Mark Adams’ design team, the new Corsa features a signature chrome bar, carrying the new Griffin badge, stretching across the front grille, while a re-styled front bumper with a more prominent, wider lower grille gives the Corsa a smiling appearance.

Framing the Corsa’s new face are ‘Eagle-Eye’ headlamps, which have also made an appearance on the recently launched Meriva. The units have a chrome finish and include daytime running lights as standard across the range. New chrome-finished fog lamps and housings complete the picture at the front of the car.

Complementing the Corsa’s fresh look are five new exterior colours in the range. Lime Green pearlescent (see pic) and Chilli Orange metallic enhance the car’s new look, with Guacamole (see pic) – a solid hue – completing the pallet of all-new Vauxhall colours. Sunny Melon (a bright yellow) makes a welcome return to the Corsa range, while Pepperdust metallic is carried across from the new Meriva range.

Vibrant new colours also dominate the Corsa’s cabin, with seat trims such as Steel Blue and Tabasco Orange brightening the interior, accompanied by a range of different coloured door trims, centre consoles, air vent rings and door handles.

Also inside, is Vauxhall’s new optional Touch & Connect multi-media system, which replaces the existing CD60 unit. Touch & Connect uses a five-inch touch screen display featuring both 2D and 3D maps for the navigation system, as well as a CD/tuner, aux-in, USB and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

Outside, the new Corsa benefits from new 16-inch alloy wheels on both SE and SXi models, while the 192PS VXR receives the option of a new 18-inch alloy wheel, modelled on the design of the optional 20-inch wheel worn by the Insignia VXR.

Corsa’s new appearance complements recent upgrades to chassis and powertrain

With its fresh new look, the Corsa is now a very different car to the one on sale a year ago. Before the latest exterior and interior design changes were made, the Corsa had already benefited from a long list of significant upgrades to its chassis and powertrains. For example, certain ecoFLEX engines now feature Vauxhall’s Start/Stop technology, which has reduced emissions on the 1.3 CDTi (95PS) ecoFLEX model to just 94g/km, combined with fuel consumption of 91.1mpg on the government’s extra urban cycle (78.5mpg combined).

To maintain its success in the small-car class, Vauxhall’s engineers also made important revisions to the car’s steering and suspension set-ups. Softer springs were employed in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter, improving ride and control characteristics.

Complementing this were revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry, ensuring that the Corsa remained as pleasurable to drive as it was economical to own.

Pricing

The new Corsa range starts at £9995, based on 2011’s 20 per cent VAT rate. However, setting aside the 2.5 per cent VAT increase, which will apply to all cars from January 4, new Corsa prices have only risen by between £60 and £75, depending upon model and, reflecting the exterior and cabin enhancements on all models in the range. A full current price list, based on 20 per cent VAT, is attached.

Brit-built Astra Sports Tourer set to hit UK showrooms by the end of 2010
Versatile and capacious cargo area combines with sleek design, inside and out
Extended powertrain line-up enhanced by Start/Stop tech
Major contribution by Vauxhall Engineering Centre to car’s development
Luton – These are the first official pictures of the new Astra Sports Tourer, which will receive its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and hit UK showrooms by the end of the year.

The Sports Tourer will be the second model to join the new Astra range, which has now sold over 28,000 units in the UK (to end of May) since its launch last December, and has helped the Astra become Britain’s best-selling retail range in the first five months of this year.

Combining high levels of practicality, clothed in a typically sleek and rakish body from Brit, Mark Adams’ design team, the Sports Tourer will be available to order from the start of October.

Crucially, the Astra Sports Tourer and its hatch sibling will also be among the first Vauxhall models to adopt Start/Stop technology, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence in the UK, the Sports Tourer will be assembled solely at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, while its new upper-body structure has been 100 per cent engineered at Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire. And like the recently launched Astra hatch, the Sports Tourer will feature key dynamic elements tuned for UK roads.

PRACTICALITY & EQUIPMENT

Packed with clever features, the Astra Sports Tourer maintains the hatch’s wheelbase (2685mm), yet its superior packaging has allowed the maximum load length to be increased by 28mm to 1835mm, and its load volume by 30 litres to 500 litres with the rear seats up.

As well as boasting a cargo area with flat wall linings to fully optimise available space, a new FlexFold feature (standard or optional depending on trim level) allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment. In addition, with the rear seat cushions folded up against the front seat-backs, the Sports Tourer has a completely flat load floor and a maximum load capacity of up to 1550 litres.

But improved interior practicality doesn’t stop there. Compared with the current Astra estate, the Sports Tourer has an additional 25 litres of storage space in the cabin, 50 per cent more than before. And like its hatch sibling, the Sports Tourer also benefits from the option of Vauxhall’s award winning Ergonomic Sports Seats, providing front occupants with best-in-class comfort.

In keeping with Vauxhall’s commitment to bringing premium features to the compact segment, the Astra Sports Tourer will also adopt the option of Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), which has eight different bi-xenon settings and automatically adapts the headlights according to weather and road conditions.

DESIGN

The Astra Sports Tourer’s exterior design aims to raise the bar in the compact-estate market, bringing a touch of class and dynamism, without compromising the car’s high levels of practicality. The tapered profile, falling roofline and prominent ‘blades’ set into the sides of the car are complemented by a muscular shoulder line, which leads gracefully into eye-catching sculpted rear light units.

Inside, occupants will benefit from the same embracing, premium cabin as in the new Astra hatch, with features like the wraparound wing front fascia and unique ambient lighting.

POWERTRAINS

From launch, Astra Sports Tourer buyers will have a choice of six frugal, yet lively engines, with an ultra-low emissions, Start/Stop-equipped ecoFLEX model available soon afterwards.

The petrol line-up starts with the 100PS 1.4i ECOTEC-4 with variable valve timing and sequential fuel injection, while a 1.6i ECOTEC-4 with 115PS is also available. The Sports Tourer’s most powerful petrol engine will be the smooth and punchy 1.4i Turbo which produces 140PS, yet achieves a combined fuel consumption of 45.6mpg and CO2emissions of 145g/km.

A new ecoFLEX model will be available soon after launch and will be one of the first Vauxhall models to get Start/Stop technology. Based on the 1.3 CDTi 95PS engine, the ecoFLEX features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and variable geometry turbocharger.

Two 1.7-litre CDTis, with either 110 or 125PS, and a 160PS 2.0 CDTi, which combines high performance with 55.4mpg combined economy and emissions of just 134g/km, complete the Sports Tourer’s diesel engine range.*

*All figures quoted are provisional

CHASSIS

From the start of the Astra Sports Tourer’s development, Vauxhall’s target was to maintain current levels of ride and handling enjoyed by the five-door hatch. As a consequence, its wheelbase remains the same at 2685mm, as do its front and rear tracks (1544 and 1588mm respectively).

Also carried over is the hatch’s innovative compound crank/Watt’s link rear suspension, which combines exceptional body control and ride characteristics and is unique to Vauxhall/Opel. For the Sports Tourer, the compound crank’s settings have been revised, as have damper calibrations, to cater for the model’s higher load capabilities without compromising the hatch’s dynamics.

Vauxhall has also carried over the steering settings from the hatch, which are bespoke to all new UK Astras. This programme offers drivers a more natural feel, thanks to careful tuning of the car’s electronic power steering system.

FlexRide, Vauxhall’s adaptive suspension system, is also available as an option on the Sports Tourer. The system continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. In Standard mode, FlexRide offers the whole bandwidth of settings available and adjusts to suit the driver’s behaviour. In Tour mode, damper settings are relaxed to optimise ride quality, while in Sport mode, throttle and steering responses are sharpened, in addition to the adoption of stiffer damper settings.

For customers who tow, the Sports Tourer will be available with Vauxhall’s electronic Trailer Stability Assist system, which subtly brakes individual wheels to maintain control of the trailer/caravan in emergency situations.

Distinctive styling upgrades and paint finish create unique appearance
Lowered suspension and 17-inch black alloy wheels add sporty stance
Offered for a limited time only
Luton – If you can’t decide if white really is the new black when it comes to car colour choice, Vauxhall has the perfect solution with a new limited edition Corsa.

Drivers of the new Black & White Limited Edition model will be making a real statement, with its striking combination of glacier white bodywork, black 17-inch twin spoke alloy wheels and detailing, topped off – literally – with a black sapphire roof.

To complete the look, the new Corsa sits on lowered suspension and sports a VXR styling kit comprising front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and new roof spoiler all fitted as standard.

A piano black centre console with contrasting white air vents continues the black and white theme on the inside, and for the finishing touch there are even alloy sports pedals and Limited Edition badging.

Standard specification on the Corsa Limited Edition also includes air con, fog lights, cruise control and CD changer with MP3 format including auxiliary connectivity. And as if the new Corsa wasn’t personalised enough already, a wide range of options can be specified including Bluetooth, electronic climate control and rear parking sensors.

In spite of its sporting intent, the new Corsa limited edition will be easy on the wallet and environment. Customers can choose from two frugal and efficient engines: an 85PS 1.2 16v VVT petrol, or the 75PS 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX, with combined fuel consumption cycles of 53.3 and 65.7mpg respectively.

Emissions are also impressively low at 124g/Km for the 1.2 16v and 114g for the ecoFLEX model meaning that both engine variants qualify for the new zero first year VED banding.

Prices for the Corsa Limited Edition range from £13,995 for the 3-door 1.2 16v, to £15,400 for the 5-door ecoFLEX diesel.

But buyers need to move quickly: this limited edition is only in showrooms from next month until the end of the year.

Peugeot 5008 wins Diesel Car, Car of the Year 2010
Skoda wins both best large car and estate car with new Superb
Jaguar XF wins best executive car for the third time in succession
Ford’s Fiesta wins best small car for the second year running
Volkswagen Golf does the double by winning best medium car again this year
Toyota’s Prius wins best Eco Car Award in this new category
Peugeot grabs gongs with 3008, 5008 and RCZ
Diesel Car magazine is proud to announce the winners of its annual car of the year awards 2010, with Peugeot’s 5008 MPV grabbing the top spot in this year’s awards.

More than 275 new cars have been put through their paces by Diesel Car’s expert testers, to bring winners in ten classes. This year’s awards are sponsored by Evolution Chips, one of the leaders in diesel tuning in the UK. For 2010, Diesel Car introduces three new categories – best crossover, best sports car and best eco car. The last recognises the best in the hybrid world of motoring.

In revealing this year’s winners, Ian Robertson, Editor of Diesel Car magazine said “We have seen a lot of talented contenders this year, despite the turmoil the motor industry has faced.” He went on to say “I’m really pleased to be able to announce that Peugeot’s spectacular 5008 is Diesel Car’s Car of the Year 2010. It truly is the right car for the right times, with competitive pricing, generous equipment levels, a good all-round driving experience that is all wrapped up in a package that seats seven. What more could a family buyer want from a car.”

Not content with winning best MPV and Car of the Year for 2010, Peugeot also grabbed titles in two of the newest categories – best crossover with the 3008, and stormed the sports car class with the stylish new RCZ.

Some of the winners will be familiar, as they topped their respective classes in last years awards, with the Ford Fiesta grabbing best small car for the second year running, Volkswagen’s Golf winning the double in the best medium car class, and Skoda’s Superb again stealing the best large car award from its stable mates. Jaguar’s stunning XF did better than all of them, by running away with the best executive car award for the third year in succession.

Skoda’s Superb proves that not only is it a winner in the large car class, but also in the estate car category too, taking the top gong in both classes.

In the 4×4 class, Land Rover’s updated Discovery 4 took the top spot, narrowly beating last year’s winner, the Freelander 2, and the upgraded Range Rover.

The 2010 Diesel Car, Car of the Year Awards coincides with a new owner for Diesel Car magazine, with Blaze Publishing having bought the title last month. The Midlands based publisher specialises in niche magazine markets and has already brought about improvements to the best selling diesel magazine, with significant investment in many areas.

The Awards issue of Diesel Car magazine goes on sale in all good newsagents on Wednesday 12th March.

Diesel Car, Car of the Year Award Winners 2010

Best small car Ford Fiesta
Best medium car Volkswagen Golf
Best large car Skoda Superb
Best executive car Jaguar XF
Best estate car Skoda Superb Estate
Best MPV Peugeot 5008
Best crossover Peugeot 3008
Best 4×4 Land Rover Discovery 4
Best sports car Peugeot RCZ
Best eco car Toyota Prius

Car of the year 2010 Peugeot 5008

TDISport are offering the chance to win a custom remap by CCTuning worth up to £399.
The prize will also consist of a before and after Rolling Road run, allowing you to see the power of the car before and after the tuning session.

The winner will be drawn at random at the next TDISport Rolling Road Day, currently planned for the 24th July 2010 at the CCTuning Headquarters.

Two runners up will receive an official TDISport T-Shirt.

Visit the Win A Remap Thread

Massive range with 29 body types to choose from
Available with front or rear-wheel drive
Class leading cabin ergonomics and cargo space
Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tons, payload up to 2.5 tons
New power trains with low operating costs
Luton: The all new Movano from Vauxhall will be a serious player in the heavy van segment when it’s launched in the UK market this year.

Customers for Vauxhall’s second generation Movano will be spoilt for choice when the new van goes on sale in May, with no less than 29 different body styles to choose from once all variants have come to market.

Movano’s drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas. A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.

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 wider selection of variants than most of the competition, 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.

UK prices are also announced today and start from a highly competitive £21,660 (ex.VAT) for the L2H2 3300 FWD 100PS model.

New Movano is also an excellent base for conversions and will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van.

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 for the new Movano has really moved the game on with items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table.

An array of easy-to-reach storage compartments round off the Movano’s superbly practical use of space.

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).

Loading the new Movano couldn’t be simpler. 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.

New Movano’s fuel consumption is expected to be among best in class when all versions are launched, depending on model and engine.

Increased fuel efficiency isn’t the only way new Movano owners will save money. The new engines are now designed with a 250,000 mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.

Movano’s 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.

Southfield, Michigan, January 25, 2010 … To reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy, vehicle manufacturers are extracting ever increasing power outputs from smaller diesel engines. Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML) has developed an innovative aluminium piston design that can withstand the severe mechanical and thermal loads produced by these heavily boosted engines, allowing significant improvements in engine performance and durability.

Called DuraBowl®, Federal-Mogul’s design strengthens the crown of a diesel engine piston by locally re-melting the alloy around the bowl, significantly improving the fatigue strength of the aluminium where it is most needed. The result is an extension of component life to between four and seven times that achieved with a conventional cast piston.

During the last decade, typical performance outputs for automotive diesel engines rose from 50kW/litre (67bhp/litre) to around 70kW/litre (94bhp/litre). According to Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul senior vice president of Powertrain Energy, the trend is likely to accelerate driven by increasingly pressing legislative targets for CO2 reduction in most major global markets. “Rising specific outputs place higher mechanical and thermal loads on many of the components where Federal-Mogul has considerable expertise,” he said. “The DuraBowl piston process is an example of how we are succeeding in delivering specialised process technologies that help our customers successfully address these challenges across a range of growing market sectors.”

In a diesel engine, combustion takes place in a hollow bowl in the top of the piston, where temperatures can reach over 400 degrees Celsius (750 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressures over 200 Bar (200 x atmospheric pressure). Federal-Mogul says that under these increasingly difficult conditions, the rim of the piston bowl has an increased risk of failure. Following extensive analysis, the company has identified that both thermal and mechanical failures of the piston bowl can be traced to the presence of free primary silicon particles distributed throughout the aluminium matrix. Aluminium expands eight times as much as silicon, creating stresses within the piston as the temperature fluctuates. Furthermore, each time the cylinder fires repeated mechanical loads could initiate fatigue failure from the corners of the silicon particles. Silicon is a necessary constituent of the aluminium alloy, offering favourable properties such as low expansion and good castability, so it currently cannot be eliminated.

The only potential solution to this problem, until now, has been fiber-reinforced pistons. “Fiber-reinforced pistons increase manufacturing complexity as the molten alloy has to infiltrate the fibres during casting,” said Frank Doernenburg, Federal-Mogul director of technology, pistons and pins. “Furthermore, there is not yet a reliable, non-destructive way to test the integrity of the finished part whereas, with our DuraBowl process, we can do an Eddy Current test to ensure the quality.”

Federal-Mogul’s solution is to pre-machine the cast piston and then re-melt the alloy around the rim of the bowl. The re-melted alloy cools a thousand times faster than it did when originally cast, which leads to much smaller silicon particles; only one tenth of the previous size. Metallurgists refer to this as refinement of the microstructure; a technique known to increase the strength and durability of metal alloys.

“The strength and efficiency of our solution is that the process is physically simple,” said Doernenburg. “The sophistication is in the control of key parameters, which ensure consistent quality. The result is a technically advanced, high-performing and very cost-competitive product when compared with both fibre-reinforced and steel pistons.”

The technological and cost benefits have been validated during extensive engine testing, both by Federal-Mogul and its customers. Doernenburg concluded, “The re-melting process certainly increases piston life and performance substantially, making a significant contribution to improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2. A conservative estimate would be a fourfold improvement in the life of any cast piston which suffers from bowl rim failures.” The first application of the DuraBowl process is on a high-performance diesel engine recently launched for a leading global vehicle manufacturer.

About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Corporation is an innovative and diversified $6.9 billion global supplier of quality products, trusted brands and creative solutions to manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty and off-highway vehicles, as well as to the power generation, aerospace, marine, rail and industrial sectors. It is recognised as a premier global innovator in the areas of powertrain, sealing, safety and protection and a leading source of advanced technologies that help increase vehicle performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine emissions for a cleaner world. Federal-Mogul employs nearly 39,000 people located in 36 countries. More information can be found at www.federalmogul.com.

12,300 new ecoFLEX models registered in 2009
Corsa 1.3 CDTi most popular ecoFLEX model
Two new models set to boost ecoFLEX appeal still further
It’s a very happy New Year for the fleet team at Vauxhall, with the highly successful ecoFLEX low-emissions range of cars reporting record sales for 2009.

Almost 12,300 new ecoFLEX vehicles were registered to fleet customers across the UK, more than twice as many as other UK competitors, representing 26 per cent of Vauxhall’s 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 fleet specifiers 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 offers 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.

The ecoFLEX models’ aim is to achieve lower emissions through a combination of technical changes to each of the models. Ultra low rolling resistance tyres, modified gearing, revised engine management fuel mapping and aerodynamic changes each contribute to improving the fuel consumption, with only a slight trade off in acceleration.

Vauxhall now offers over 50 different ecoFLEX models to support businesses and drivers, one of the largest ranges of environmental models in the UK. The company has a team of fleet sales managers across the country who have been trained specifically in promoting the benefits of the ecoFLEX range to its customers.

Vauxhall has created a microsite (www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/microsite/ecoflex) dedicated to highlighting the benefits of ecoFLEX to its customers. It features information on the environmental and cost-saving advantages as well as a step-by-step guide for drivers to help reduce their environmental impact through smarter driving techniques. The driving style advice is taken directly from the Act On CO2 website and can lead to an 8 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions as well as saving up to a month’s worth of fuel per year.

First official interior pics of new Meriva highlight FlexDoor’s convenience
Premium quality and design mark sea-change for Meriva’s interior
Cabin’s versatility set to challenge best in class with FlexSpace & FlexRail
Luton – Vauxhall’s first interior pics of its all new Meriva reveal one of the most innovative and stylish cabins in the compact MPV class, and an initial glimpse of the access to the rear of the car offered by its clever and unique-in-class FlexDoors.

Described by Vauxhall/Opel’s British Vice President of Design, Mark Adams, as ‘…an expressive yet functional interior with great roominess and visibility’, the Meriva’s cabin is set to wow media and public when the car receives its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Combining a fresh interpretation of Vauxhall’s interior wing theme, seen in the Insignia and new Astra, the Meriva’s designers have lowered and moved the instrument panel forward, creating more space and comfort for front occupants. The Meriva’s commanding driving position has also been improved, with narrower, realigned A-pillars and larger quarter-lights. In the rear, the lower ‘wave’ window line increases visibility for passengers, especially children.

FlexRail – transforming the conventional centre console

The Meriva’s unique FlexRail system provides convenient and adaptable storage for a wide range of everyday items, from handbags and colouring books to iPods and sunglasses.

Space for the FlexRail between the front seats has been liberated by raising the gearshift location and replacing the traditional handbrake with an easy to use electric park brake button (standard on all models). The result is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre stack and is accessible from the rear seats.

FlexRail’s floor module comprises two cup holders, Aux-in/USB connections and a 12-volt socket. Above this area, on certain models, twin polished aluminium rails feature, and on the range-topping SE a flip-top armrest module is attached, with a smaller storage/cup holder tray sitting below it. Both can be shifted into a variety of fixed positions along the rails, while rear seat passengers benefit from the option of a rear armrest module, which can be fitted to the centre seat back section when it’s folded down between them.

FlexSpace rear seating system – more intuitive than ever before

The new Meriva’s innovative FlexSpace system offers a range of cabin configurations without having to remove any seats, and is now improved with a one-step action when sliding the rear seat cushions or when lowering the rear seatbacks.

While FlexSpace makes it easy for owners to convert the Meriva from five seats to two, both its outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and also slide inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room in a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints.

Rear seatbacks up, the Meriva’s boot has a 400-litre capacity, increasing to 920-litres with the seatbacks folded. But use all the space up to the roof and an impressive 1500-litres capacity is available.

Clever storage where it matters

Taking a leaf out of the new Astra’s book, Vauxhall’s designers have created real-world storage solutions for 20 of the most popular items owners carry in their cars.

An ample glovebox has a space-saving shelf for the owner’s manual, as well as coins and pens. Elsewhere, there’s a mini glovebox on the driver’s side, while door pockets can carry drinks bottles of up to 1.5-litre capacity in the front and up to 1.0-litre in the rear. Above the driver’s door, there’s a flip-down compartment for sunglasses, and on certain models a pull-out draw is available beneath the front passenger seat, suitable for books or valuable items.

In the luggage area, the floor can be set to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage, while storage compartments are provided in the boot’s sidewalls. The Meriva’s parcel shelf can be removed and stowed neatly away behind the rear seats.