Vauxhall offers one of the biggest range of cars to beat London’s Congestion Charge
Eight Corsa ecoFLEX models now eligible for CC exemption
Savings of up to £60/week for drivers commuting into London in new Corsa ecoFLEX
Luton –Vauxhall offers eight models in its range which are eligible for London’s new ‘Greener Vehicle Discount’, which comes into force today and promises drivers of Euro 5-compliant cars emitting 100g/km or less total exemption from the Congestion Charge.

The Greener Vehicle Discount, or GVD, replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, which previously favoured hybrid-powered vehicles, even if they were more polluting than some conventional petrol and diesel-powered cars. To be eligible for GVD, vehicles simply need to emit less than or equal to 100g/km of CO2 and meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards to qualify for a 100 per cent discount (subject to an annual £10 registration fee).

Vauxhall’s eight Congestion Charge-beaters start with the Corsa 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX Start/Stop 3-door S model, which emits just 94g/km and 78.5mpg on the combined cycle, and up to 91.1mpg on the extra-urban cycle. Seven more sub-100g/km Corsa ecoFLEXs are available in a host of different trims, as well as in five-door form too, but all still emit less than 95g/km.

And there are two more good reasons to take advantage of the Corsa’s thrift and efficiency.

Firstly, the latest Corsa has a fresh look, along with a raft of stunning new colours and equipment for 2011, and this combined with its latest Start/Stop technology and chassis revisions make it not only a great driver’s car, but one that stands out from the crowd.

Driving a sub-100g/km car like the Corsa will also save you even more in Congestion Charge than before, since from today the fee rises to £12 if paid by midnight on the charging day after travel or £10 if paid in advance or on the day of travel*, meaning that drivers commuting in to the zone on a daily basis could pay as much as £60 per week.

“We’re committed to offering our customers the most efficient and economical cars in the UK,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. “Not only do our Corsa ecoFLEX models ease the pain of ever increasing fuel costs, but some models are now set to save London commuters even more expense. We also welcome Boris Johnson’s announcement that electric vehicles will be eligible for GVD, which will include our Ampera E-REV when it goes on sale in early 2012.”

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.

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.

Unique-in-class FlexDoors offer unrivalled occupant access and convenience
FlexRail and FlexSpace features bring new levels of cabin versatility to class
Fuel consumption reduced by 15% vs current range; ecoFLEX version to be offered
Luton – These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall’s new Meriva, which is set to turn the conventional concept of family-car usability on its head with a combination of clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility.

The new Meriva, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, is the first Vauxhall to feature FlexDoors, showcased in 2008’s Meriva design concept.

FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s exceptionally high roof line.

For parents with children, there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards in to rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open (the fronts open at a similar angle to the rear FlexDoors) a ‘parent-friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants.

Crucially, the FlexDoors can only be opened by occupants while the car is stationary, an automatic lock engaging as soon as the car pulls away.

While the concept of two rear-hinged back doors is not new in the motor industry, the Meriva’s FlexDoor system is the first time it has been used on a family car in recent years. But unlike other rear-hinged door applications (Rolls Royce Phantom/Ghost and Mazda RX8), the Meriva benefits from front and rear doors that open independently, and does not require rear passengers to sit behind the door opening.

Class-leading in-cabin flexibility
Once inside the new Meriva, buyers benefit from two further groundbreaking innovations. The FlexRail adopts a completely fresh approach to the design of a car’s centre console, and provides owners with a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base. The new Meriva’s storage bin and cubby count has also increased, meaning that owners now benefit from one of the most practical cabins in class.

In addition, the current Meriva’s much-praised FlexSpace system has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, the new Meriva’s FlexSpace allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is simpler than ever.

The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.

New Meriva adopts design language from Insignia and new Astra
The current Meriva effectively created the compact monocab sector when it was launched in 2003, but since then Vauxhall’s design language has evolved steadily, with big strides being made with the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia and more recently with the launch of the all-new Astra.

No surprise, then, that the new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward monocab design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.

The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.

Advanced chassis and more efficient powertrains
With a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, buyers will see a marked improvement in the new Meriva’s ride and handling qualities.

They’ll also see a reduction in running costs, since the engine line-up – which features six turbocharged units and power outputs from 75 to 140PS – benefits from an average fuel consumption/CO2 reduction of 15 per cent, or -25g/km across the range. A high mpg/low CO2 ecoFLEX model will also be available.

More information will be available closer to the Meriva’s debut at Geneva.

£700 worth of additional equipment at no extra cost
Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles have announced the introduction of a new variant to the highly successful Combo van range. The New SE will be available at all Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle retailers from January 2010, offering customers great value for money as well as enhanced driver comfort and exterior styling.

The New SE Combo will feature a fantastic £700 worth of additional equipment, at no extra cost to the customer. The additional standard features include: a nearside side loading door; front sport seats with increased lateral and lumbar support and a Maxx styling pack which includes 15” alloy wheels with 185/60R15 tyres; body coloured front and rear quarter bumpers and body coloured door mirrors.

The Combo SE will be available in four panel van options, with 1.3CDTi engines available in both 5-speed manual and Easytronic transmissions at 1700 or 2000 GVW.

Combo SE not only offers buyers a great package of free additional equipment, it also comes with the great offer currently available from Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. Called 4x4x4x4, it gives buyers the option of four years 0 per cent finance, four years free servicing (up to 80,000 miles), four years roadside assistance, provided by the AA and including Roadside Assistance, Home Start, Relay Plus and European Assistance and four years warranty up to 80,000 miles on Corsavan, Astravan and Combo and up to 120,000 miles on Vivaro and Movano (base vehicle only).

88.3mpg* ecoFLEX model leads popular range’s dramatic efficiency drive

Improved powertrains on average 13.2 per cent more economical across range** with 5 out of 6 engines emitting less than 125g/km
Chassis improvements set to hoist Corsa among class leaders for dynamics
Enhanced list of standard kit available, including unique-in-class feature
Luton – Vauxhall’s Corsa is set to sell more sub-125g cars than any other model range in the UK next year† thanks to significant efficiency gains in its engine line up. Better still, buyers will benefit from zero VED on all manual Corsa models from next April.

The ultra-economical engines – all of which, bar the VXR model, exceed 50mpg combined when fitted with a manual gearbox – are joined by a raft of improvements to the Corsa’s chassis, boosting its driver appeal still further.

While the economy star of the range is the new 95PS diesel ecoFLEX model, which achieves 76.3mpg on the combined cycle (and 88.3mpg on the extra urban cycle), each of the Corsa’s petrol engines is now more economical, yet more powerful. The 1.0-litre now produces 65PS (up 5PS), yet emits just 117g of CO2, dropping it two VED bands and meaning that owners now pay just £35 per year in road tax, down from £120, and none at all from next April.

The Corsa’s 85PS 1.2-litre petrol has also dropped a VED band and gained 5PS in power, while the 1.4-litre – which now produces 100PS, up 10PS over the current model – has dropped two bands and sips just 51.4mpg, up from 46.3mpg for the existing model.

Reinforcing the 98g, zero-VED ecoFLEX model in the Corsa’s diesel range is a 75PS version of the same 1.3 CDTi, emitting 114g/km, and a more powerful 1.7 CDTi which now produces 130PS, yet drops 12g/km in CO2 emissions. A new eco gearshift indicator housed within the instrument cluster is available on most models in the range.

But running costs and emissions are not the only weapons in the revised Corsa’s armoury. To maintain the Corsa’s incredible success in the small car class, Vauxhall’s engineers have made important revisions to the car’s steering and suspension set-ups. Softer springs have been 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 are revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry, ensuring that the revised Corsa is as pleasurable to drive as it is economical to own.

Completing the package of changes to Vauxhall’s biggest selling car, is a long list of features which have now been added as standard to key models in the range. The SE, SXi and SRi now get cruise control and an on-board computer at no extra charge, while the SRi – which now starts at a lower price point – also gets revised suspension settings, air conditioning, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a VXR styling kit included in its price.

But the SE also packs a standard feature unique in this class: a heated leather steering wheel, complemented by heated front seats, giving owners a feeling of opulence normally reserved for those who drive behind a Flying B or Spirit of Ecstasy!

Pricing for the new Corsa (see attachment) reflects the enhanced standard specification, new engine introduction and SRi trim re-positioning.

New 3-door Corsa ecoFLEX will be available with 98g/km
Power increased by 20PS over existing 105g/km Corsa ecoFLEX
Even 5-door version achieves sub-100g/km emissions
Luton – The most economical Vauxhall model ever will be available to order from January 2010 when the new Corsa ecoFLEX hits the UK market, boasting CO2 emissions of just 98g/km and a miserly combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg.

Even in five-door trim, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, which dramatically reduces the most harmful emissions. As a result, Corsa ecoFLEX drivers will benefit from not only the lowest 13 per cent BIK diesel band, but full exemption from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

Yet incredibly, this parsimony has not dented this Corsa’s driveability. Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm, allowing drivers the kind of flexibility normally vacant in eco-class cars.

To achieve this rare combination of performance and frugality, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3 CDTi now employs a variable geometry turbocharger which significantly improves both performance and efficiency. To support the higher turbo pressure, the compression ratio has also been reduced from 18.0 to 16.8:1, while the injection system’s calibration has been revised to boost low-end torque and peak power.

As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced further, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph.

Using the chassis and aerodynamic modifications from the current Corsa 105g/km model, the new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Life and Club trim only. Full pricing will be announced soon.