This feed contains the latest News Article feed items. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/ Copyright 2012 VauxhallQuotes.co.uk All Rights Reserved. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.7.1202.16) Vauxhall has fixed the price of its most frequent repairs to give piece of mind to customers taking their car into official Vauxhall repair centres. Repairs for items such as brake pads, brake discs, clutches, cambelts and shock absorbers will all have a fixed price ranging from £99 to £599 from today, it has been confirmed. The fixed prices apply to Vauxhall cars over three years old and include some of its most popular cars including the Vauxhall Corsa supermini, Vauxhall Astra family car and the large Vauxhall Zafira people carrier. Under the new scheme, parts and labour for new front brake pads will cost £99 on the Corsa, Astra, Vectra and Zafira. The majority of repairs come under £200 with only a cambelt change for a Vauxhall Vectra costing £249. Clutch repairs and shock absorbers also cost more than £200 at £599and £300 respectively. The price includes fitting and VAT and because it is available at Vauxhall service centres, includes genuine Vauxhall parts and guarantees of quality. Service Manager for Vauxhall Motors, Belinda Craik, said: "Vauxhall's are known for their reliability, but drivers of older vehicles know that certain wear and tear parts will need replacing sooner or later, so our new Fixed Price Repairs are designed to offer Vauxhall owners incredible value and lower the cost of motoring." Vauxhall has confirmed the parts will come with a 12 month warranty and with no added costs of hidden extras. The Vauxhall fixed price offer is designed to sit alongside Vauxhall's industry-leading unlimited warranty, which covers a new Vauxhall car for an unlimited period of time up to a mileage limit of 100,000 miles. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-fixes-prices-for-key-repairs-6706.aspx Stephen Hurrell Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Vauxhall has confirmed it has 'done an awful lot of work' on the new Vauxhall Mokka and says it wants the compact MPV to be the best in its segment. At the launch of the new Mokka SUV, CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke told the Telegraph the car is the first in a new product offensive from Vauxhall focusing on better cars with lighter materials and more efficient engines. The Vauxhall Mokka is a Corsa-based SUV designed to take on the growing number of small crossover cars entering the market. Designed as a compact 4x4, the Vauxhall Mokka takes much of its styling from the popular Vauxhall Corsa supermini, one of the best-selling cars in the UK in 2011. According to Vauxhall MD Duncan Aldred: "The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them into a compact, yet modern form" The Vauxhall Mokka is taller and features a larger ground clearance than the Corsa. Its SUV styling and five-door layout makes it a more practical option and higher specification models will even come with four-wheel drive. Destined for a launch towards the end of 2012, the Vauxhall Mokka includes a choice of two petrol and a single diesel engine and Vauxhall is expected to offer an eco-friendly 'Ecoflex' alternative in the line up. Ecoflex diesel engines are designed to be more efficient and emit less CO2 than standard diesels. In the case of the Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex and the larger Vauxhall Astra hatchback Ecoflex, the engines deliver CO2 emissions low enough to qualify for the lowest band of road tax in the UK. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-prepares-for-mokka-launch-6703.aspx Stephen Hurrell Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new Vauxhall mini, which will sit below the Vauxhall Corsa in the brand's UK line up, will be called the Allegra, it has been confirmed. The name will replace the Vauxhall Junior name touted for the car, which is due to arrive in the UK in 2013. The new Vauxhall Allegra is the subject of plenty of secrecy from Vauxhall and specification, pricing and even the design of the car have not been announced yet. However, the name has and Vauxhall's smallest car is set to take on the city car segment with ultra-low driving costs and an affordable starting price. Carrying on from the success of the Vauxhall Corsa and the larger Vauxhall Astra hatchback and ST, the new Vauxhall Allegra is expected to offer engines from Vauxhall's low-CO2 Ecoflex range. These diesel powerplants have been tuned for maximum efficiency and when included in the Corsa and Astra range offer road tax free running costs because CO2 emissions fall under the relevant 100g/km mark. This is expected to be continued on the Vauxhall Allegra, which will be the first city car from Vauxhall for a number of years. A selection of petrol and diesel engines are expected for the Allegra and the diesel options will be the greenest in the range, offering sub-100g/km of CO2 emissions when in Ecoflex form. The three-door hatchback will sit alongside the larger and boxier Vauxhall Agila in the UK market and Vauxhall is predicted to use the car as a basis for an all-electric vehicle in future. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-reveals-name-of-new-city-car-6696.aspx Stephen Hurrell Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT A Vauxhall car has once again made the ten most popular cars in Europe list in terms of sales, latest figures reveal. The new Vauxhall Astra, sold as the Opel Astra in mainland Europe, was the eight best-selling car in Europe in January 2012 with over 17,000 sold, according to the latest figures from JATO Dynamics. The news will be a boost for Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire which builds the Vauxhall Astra hatchback and the new Vauxhall Astra ST (estate) versions of the small family car. While overall car sales across Europe fell by 7.1 per cent, UK and German sales remained stable. For Vauxhall, this means two of its largest markets remain steady despite only three of the top ten best-selling brands recording sales increases in January 2012 compared to the same month last year. Vauxhall was the fifth most popular brand in Europe in January with sales of 57,700 cars. The success of the British-built Vauxhall Astra was key to this success. However, other Vauxhall cars such as the new Vauxhall Corsa and the newest cars in the range, the new Vauxhall Astra GTC Coupe and the new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, will also have had an impact on sales. In the UK, Vauxhall is a perennial favourite with new cars buyers. The Vauxhall Astra and the Vauxhall Corsa are regulars in the top five best-sellers and the brand was the second most popular in terms of sales in 2011. The Vauxhall range will be extended in 2012 with the introduction of the new Vauxhall Mokka compact SUV and in 2013 with Vauxhall's newest city car, the Vauxhall Junior. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-astra-in-europes-best-sellers-6687.aspx Stephen Hurrell Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new Vauxhall Combo van is on sale now in the UK with a new look and lower running costs. The new Vauxhall Combo is one of the smaller vans in Vauxhall's range and the newest version replaces a model which has proved popular with UK buyers since its launch in 2001. Available in two trim levels , Combo and Sportive, and in two lengths, two heights and two gross weights, the Vauxhall Combo is a versatile small van. Capable of carrying 1,000kg and with a load volume up to 4.2 cubic metres, the new 2012 Vauxhall Combo is focused on practicality. However, Vauxhall has also replaced its engine range with cleaner, more efficient units. The four engine choices not only lower running costs but also meet strict European emissions criteria for new vans in the UK. To do this, Vauxhall has added stop-start technology to the four diesel engines, which range from a 1.3-litre, 90PS unit to the range-topping 2.0-litre, 135PS option. The stop-start technology is designed to turn off the engine automatically if the car is stationary for a couple of seconds, ensuring fuel is saved when the car is stationary in traffic jams. The system then automatically restarts the engine with the accelerator is pressed. Alongside the technical additions and expansion of the space offered with the Combo, Vauxhall has also updated the exterior with some styling tweaks and added a more user friendly cabin including more comfortable and flexible seating. The new Vauxhall Combo van is available to buy now from £14,700 before VAT from Vauxhall dealerships. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/new-2012-vauxhall-combo-revealed-6671.aspx Stephen Hurrell Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The most popular cars for families are the size of a Vauxhall Astra as UK drivers shun bigger saloons, according to new research. A survey by insurance company Aviva looking at cars over the past 30 years show the average UK driveway is now home to much smaller cars than previous decades. Aviva car insurance director Heather Smith said: "Thirty years ago the big saloon and the small 'runaround' sitting side by side outside Britain's family homes was a ubiquitous sight." She explained families were more likely to buy two Vauxhall Astra-size cars for mum and dad - or even opt for a compact car such as a Vauxhall Meriva compact MPV or models such as the forthcoming Vauxhall Mokka compact SUV. The reason for the change is because, traditionally, dads bought larger cars such as the old Vauxhall Cavalier, while mums went for smaller superminis. As times change, dads have moved towards more frugal, smaller cars to save money, while mums have met them in the middle as more space and practicality has become desirable, according to Aviva. Smith added: "As families' lives become more busy and complex, with two working parents and children to be dropped off at school, it appears multi-tasking mums need a vehicle fit for both work and family life while cost and fuel efficiency are increasingly important to dad." The news highlights the importance of mid-size family cars such as the Vauxhall Astra, which matches five-doors and a large boot to low running costs. Despite the space offered with the new Vauxhall Astra, it also comes with a selection of petrol and diesel engines. The most efficient diesel, named the Ecoflex version, offers free road tax in the UK and fuel economy in the region of 70mpg. Standard new Vauxhall Astra prices start from £13,000 in the UK. Ecoflex versions are available in higher trim levels, starting from £16,000. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/families-choose-astra-over-larger-saloons-6662.aspx Stephen Hurrell Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Vauxhall will sell a new type of car polish as part of an introductory offer, it has confirmed. The new 'Super Resin Polish' has been produced by car maintenance product expert Autoglym and will be sold from £10.50 at Vauxhall retailers. On announcing the new product, which comes with a free finishing cloth worth £7.99, Simon Gibbs, Vauxhall Product Development Manager, said the car maker was 'proud' to stock the brand. He explained: "For our customers, looking after their Vauxhall's appearance is important and we recommend using the best possible products to ensure the shine and durability of their vehicle's paintwork." The polish is designed to provide shine and remove anything which may be harmful to the surface of the car's bodywork. Autoglym says the polish 'significantly outperforms rivals' after testing it for over two years before launching it in the UK. It can be used across Vauxhall's range, from the small Vauxhall Agila up to the largest model in Vauxhall's range, the seven-seat Vauxhall Zafira. The polish will be on sale in Vauxhall's 400-strong aftersales network alongside other Vauxhall accessories and its mechanical and body repair services. It will join other special offers from Vauxhall, including a full winter service offer for £129 including top-ups for oil, anti-freeze and coolant. Vauxhall will also check tyre pressures for optimum winter driving conditions and complete a full service check of the car. Vauxhall is also giving away free winter snow socks with every winter service for a limited period at Vauxhall Masterfit retailers for the duration of the offer. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-expands-aftercare-range-6654.aspx Stephen Hurrell Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Vauxhall has revealed the UK's first ever police car powered by electric power after converting a new Ampera into a car for use on the force. The Vauxhall Ampera, an extended-range electric vehicle using a mix of electric and more traditional petrol power, will not be appearing on the beat any time soon, but Vauxhall has put forward a possible launch date of 2015 for police car versions of the model. The design of the Vauxhall Ampera police car includes some unique upgrades including external-mounted cameras with facial recognition linked to the Police National Database. It also includes police livery, the traditional blue lights, number plate recognition and an in-car screen allowing the passenger to access police databases on the move. Vauxhall is one of the largest supplier of fleet cars to police forces in the UK. The likes of the Vauxhall Corsa, Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Insignia all appear on police fleets across the country. Meanwhile, standard versions of the Vauxhall Ampera will go on sale in the UK in May. Orders are now open for the five-door hatchback with three trim levels available. Only two of these, starting from £32,000, will be available from launch with an entry-level £29,000 version of the car arriving later in the year. Based on the same platform as the Vauxhall Astra, the Ampera is capable of travelling 40 miles on electric power only and can be charged like any other electric car. However, it also boasts a small petrol engine designed to charge the battery on the move and extend the range by a further 310 miles. The new Vauxhall Ampera seats four and comes with a more upmarket interior than the other hatchback in the Vauxhall range, the Vauxhall Astra. The first models can be ordered now. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-reveals-ampera-police-car-6648.aspx Stephen Hurrell Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new Vauxhall Mokka will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Vauxhall has revealed. The Vauxhall Corsa-based SUV will appear at Vauxhall's stand during Europe's biggest motor show from 6 March. Designed on the same platform as the popular Vauxhall Corsa platform, the Mokka SUV adds a higher ride height and raised driving position. Its extended length also means it is more comfortable seating five people than its supermini sibling. The Vauxhall Mokka comes in front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of three engines ranging from two petrol and a single 130bhp diesel. All engines come with start-stop technology to keep down fuel consumption, while the more powerful petrol, a 1.4-litre 140bhp turbo and the 1.7-litre diesel come with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Mokka will be the star of Vauxhall's Geneva stand as the only all-new model set to be revealed. This means Vauxhall will be demonstrating plenty of new technology in its compact SUV. This includes adaptive lighting with high beam assist, a front camera system and safety features such as lane departure warning and a traffic sign recognition system. The Mokka will open up a new segment for Vauxhall where it will compete with a growing number of compact crossover-style cars. Vauxhall plans to launch the Mokka in the UK by the end of 2012 and promises more pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch. The Vauxhall Mokka is the third new car to be announced in 2012 after the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and the new Vauxhall Astra VXR hot hatch. http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-to-reveal-new-mokka-in-march-6637.aspx Stephen Hurrell Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Vauxhall cars are interesting police forces in Norway, France and Denmark just months after becoming the largest police car supplier in the UK, the car maker has revealed. Vauxhall has introduced its converted Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Insignia models to Norwegian police and the manufacturer says they were 'impressed' by the cars. Vauxhall will now lend cars to Norwegian and French forces for use in their police fleets, according to Dick Ellam, Vauxhall Special Vehicles Manager. He said: "We are very pleased with the interest we have had in our vehicles from the Police in Norway, as well as in France and Denmark. We are now in the process of developing left-hand drive demonstration models, which will be fully compliant to ACPO ITS Single Vehicle Architecture, to loan to the Norwegian and French Police forces." Late last year, Vauxhall became the largest supplier of police cars to British police, something the car maker has put down to a mixture of performance and economy. In total 71 per cent of Britain's police forces are contracted to buy Vauxhall vehicles for their fleets, covering the Vauxhall Corsa, Vauxhall Astra, Vauxhall Insignia and Vauxhall's entire van range. Vauxhall was one of the first manufacturers to offer an eco-badged model, in this case the Ecoflex, across its entire range. This means road tax-free Vauxhall Corsa and Vauxhall Astra models and lower running costs for fleet owners, says Vauxhall. The range has also been praised for its 100,000 mile, unlimited time warranty and strong resale values, while a dedicated scheme is designed to modify cars and vans for police use. Ellam added: "A key factor in our success is our approach to the supply chain. The only element we outsource is the delivery of the vehicle to the customer - everything else in done in-house under our control. We are therefore able to make savings for police fleets in the time it takes to bring their vehicles into service." http://www.vauxhallquotes.co.uk/research/news/articles/vauxhall-police-cars-go-global-6627.aspx Stephen Hurrell Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT