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Diesel do nicely -
Vauxhall sales leap up in 2004
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- Registrations of diesel Vauxhalls up 34.9 percent
- More to come in 2005, with exciting new models
For Vauxhall, 2004 was certainly the year of the diesel. Sales of
the company’s oil-burners leapt up 34.9 percent year-on-year to
83,507, the biggest increase of any of the mainstream manufacturers.
It means that more than half of some models such as the Vectra sold
are now diesel powered, and increasing numbers of drivers are
switching over to the new range of advanced and cost efficient
engines.
What’s behind the boom in demand for Vauxhall oil burners?
There’s little doubt that cost is still the major factor, with
cars such as the Corsa CDTi capable of almost half the fuel
consumption of some similarly-sized rivals with petrol power –
that could mean thousands in savings across the average three years
of ownership. Besides the cost, the increased range per tankful
means that drivers of diesel cars have to spend far less time at the
pumps or searching for one of the dwindling number of filling
stations.
For company car drivers the cost savings are even greater. Even the
most ardent petrol-head is sure to become converted once they
realise that driving one of Vauxhall’s CDTI engined models will
spare some of their hard-earned wages from reaching the tax man.
But it’s not just about the money. Advances in diesel engine
technology have actually made some drivers prefer the seemingly
effortless low-rev pulling power of a modern turbo diesel too,
especially in town and on long motorway journeys.
There’s plenty more in store from Vauxhall in 2005 too. The first
1.9-litre CDTi engined Astras are starting to reach customers, in
both 120PS and 150PS form. Both powerplants will also be available
in the new Sport Hatch, and the top level SRi version is set to
become one of the most sought-after models for company-car drivers,
thanks to its hot-hatch performance, coupe looks and low tax
liability rating. Another high-economy diesel Astra variant will
also be announced in the spring.
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New Tigra 1.3CDTi
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Meanwhile, the Tigra CDTi is now available to order, and will reach
the UK by the end of February. With an average combined fuel economy
figure of 61.4mpg, it’s perfect for drivers who want head-turning
drop-top style and still use less fuel than almost every other car
on the road.
For those who aren’t yet ready to switch over to using the black
pump at filling stations, Vauxhall can still save fuel and money,
without harming driving enjoyment. The new petrol engines across the
Agila, Corsa, Tigra and Astra range use Twinport valve technology
making the most of every gallon. The result is that the latest Corsa
1.4 requires around 18 per cent less fuel than its 1.4-litre
predecessor.
For even bigger savings, there’s always the LPG route. The
newly-developed Corsa 1.2i Dualfuel produces just 119g/km of CO2,
the lowest of any Vauxhall, and can squeeze around 214 miles out of
£10 worth of fuel. Dualfuel versions of the Zafira and Vectra are
also available, and an LPG-fuelled version of the Astra is just
around the corner.
As thousands more drivers have discovered in 2004, Vauxhall’s
advanced engine technology can save money and the environment while
still providing all the driving excitement and style buyers demand.
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