New Zafira Tourer

Vauxhall is set to unveil the new Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer at the forthcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The world debut of these two new cars will also be supported by the production version of the Vauxhall Ampera and the first showing of seven new ecoFLEX models.

The Astra GTC has already won praise from the motoring press for its rakish dynamic appearance and stunning looks. Available later in the year in the UK it will come in a range of petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 120PS to 180PS. The new Zafira Tourer will reach UK showrooms in 2012 and this completely re-designed MPV comes with the latest Flex7 seating system, innovative technologies and driving dynamics so looks like another winner for the brand.

The seven new ecoFLEX models on show, across four ranges, are the Agila 1.0-litre petrol (109g/km), Meriva 1.3 CDTi (109g/km), Astra 1.7 CDTi (99g/km), Insignia 1.4 Turbo petrol (134g/km) and Insignia 2.0 CDTi (115g/km), as well as ecoFLEX versions for the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer. Vauxhall contract hire rentals on ecoFLEX models are available now off the site quote engines.

The production version of the Ampera will also be on show and this electric vehicle with its extended range capability of up to 300 miles is also proving very popular with buyers, with many forward orders being taken. On pure electric driving you will have a range of 25-50 miles with zero emissions, which is more than adequate for driving around town.  Vauxhall also plans to launch an experimental vehicle as well with a theme exploring “driving fun” and will release more details shortly.

Vauxhall has now introduced an “eco model” across its entire range of commercial vans with the launch of ecoFLEX Commercial Vehicles.

Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said,”Vauxhall is the the first manufacturer to offer an “eco” product for each model in its range. Green credentials are becoming a higher priority for customers looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles. Our vans have always been known for their low running costs and the ecoFLEX badge clearly identifies to our customers the lowest CO2 model in our range”.

Vauxhall Vivaro ecoFLEX

Some samples of the ecoFLEX commercial vehicle range

• Vivaro ecoFLEX 2.0 CDTi (90PS) and 2.0 CDTi (115PS), both with CO2 emissions of 185g/km and payloads of 1254kg.
• Corsavan ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi (75PS) Start/Stop which emits 105g/km of CO2.
• Movano ecoFLEX 3.3 tonne L2H2 2.3 CDTI (100PS) with CO2 emissions of 202g/km.
• Astravan and Combo will also see ecoFLEX models added.

Vauxhall contract hire on all new ecoFLEX models will be loaded as soon as final prices and specifications have been confirmed.

Free fuel efficiency check voucher

If you visit the Vauxhall ecoFLEX Expereince website they are offering a free fuel efficiency check voucher which you can use at any Vauxhall Masterfit Retailer. The ecoFLEX Fuel Efficiency Check includes an inspection of the vehicle’s tyres, the air conditioning system and you will also be given tips and advice for improving fuel efficiency and reducing your carbon emissions when driving.

Andrea Caumon, Vauxhall MasterFit Manager said,”The ecoFLEX Fuel Efficiency Check voucher offers motorists an opportunity to gain expert help in minimising their fuel bills and environmental footprint completely free of charge. The ecoFLEX approach to efficiency is a reminder that we can all make a contribution to emission reduction simply by servicing and maintaining our cars on a regular basis”.

The Society of Motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that average new car CO2 emissions were down 4.7% in the first half of 2010, to 145.2 g/km, compared with the same period in 2009. The rate of improvement has cooled since the withdrawal of the Car Scrappage Scheme, which favoured smaller eco-friendly cars. The SMMT also found that registrations of alternatively fuelled cars doubled over this period as well.

Interestingly, registrations for “signposted eco-models” (Volkswagen BlueMotion, Vauxhall Ecoflex and Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY) have risen by 141.4% in the first half of 2010, to almost 74,000 units and by almost 850% when comparing to the first half of 2008.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive said,”Continued vehicle manufacturer efforts to improve fuel efficiency and cut emissions has further reduced average CO2 output during a better than anticipated first half of 2010. The remainder of the year is set to be challenging, especially post scrappage scheme. All manufacturers are committed to offering ever more efficient product through the introduction of increasingly efficient engines and alternative technologies”.

If you are looking for a low CO2 car with great fuel economy, The Contract Hire Super Shopper is an excellent way of selecting your next vehicle. Choose your type of car (saloon, estate etc),your favourite car manufacturers (or all) and then your preferred CO2 and combined mpg ranges and the cars that fit your criteria will be displayed.

ecoFLEX from Vauxhall

Vauxhall and Opel have joined forces to find Europe’s top eco-driver with a Vauxhall Ampera being awarded to the winning driver.

The competition kicks off on the 1st April when successful entrants can show off their fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly driving skills. The contest will see who can squeeze the most amount of miles from one of the Vauxhall/Opel ecoFLEX models. To enter and register go to www.ecoflex-experience.co.uk

You will first have to enter an on-line quiz with the top UK driver then being invited, with 19 other entrants from other European countries, to the real driving event in Malmo, Sweden.

There are a total of 13 ecoFLEX models in the Vauxhall ecoFLEX range of Astra, Corsa, Agila and Zafira, and all can be easily quoted on Vauxhall car leasing from the site now.