Vauxhall has added an engine stop-start system to the 2.0-litre diesel engine in its Astra model.
Average economy for the hatchback has been improved to 62.8mpg (from 57.6mpg) and CO2 has dropped to 119g/km (from 129g/km). This means these models drop a company car tax band to 13%, and private buyers will pay just £30 a year in road tax.
Vauxhall has also installed its Cleantech Combustion Technology, which reduces engine noise and includes cleaner engine combustion – so it runs more efficiently. The company also says that this and the stop-start technology will be in most of its models by spring 2012.
The 2.0 CDTi Astra stop-start models are on sale now, with prices starting from £22,410 for the hatchback and £23,430 for the estate.
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