Summer Customer Offers from Vauxhall
1 July, 2008

Great new car offers from Vauxhall to save you £££. You could save money on selected new Vauxhalls thanks to offers such as Free Insurance or 0% Finance. They are available until 2 October 2008.

Check out the latest finance offers from Vauxhall by clicking here to go to our Special Offers page.

Insignia Nominated for Car of the Year 2009
25 June, 2008

The nominees for the 2009 Car Of The Year award have been announced.

At this early stage, 38 eligible vehicles make up the list of contenders. A new vehicle does not have to be already in production to qualify, hence the inclusion of cars like the all-new Vauxhall Insignia which launches in July. 59 judges from 23 different European countries make up the panel, ahead of the winning announcement on November 17th.

The All-Seeing Insignia -
   First with Front Camera System
19 June, 2008

Leading technology available in early '09
Reads road signs, improves safety
Warns drivers when they stray from their lane

Vauxhall introduces a first: a dual-function camera that not only reads speed limit and no-overtaking signs and displays them on the instrument panel, but also alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Known as Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning, the two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.

The camera, located between the windscreen and the rear-view mirror, detects road signs and lane markings. It’s not much bigger than a mobile phone, yet can take 30 pictures per second. Two signal processors filter and read the photos. Depending on light conditions, the Traffic Sign Recognition function begins to repeatedly read signs at 100 meters. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. When a match is found in the car’s software, the sign is displayed in the instrument panel; it will even prioritise a no-overtaking sign over a speed limit warning sign.

To find out more about the all-new Insignia's new technology click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

New Insignia's Interior -
   Premium Feel and Stunning Design
5 June, 2008

First official shot of new Insignia's interior
Chronometer-inspired instruments
Use of high quality fabrics and materials

Check out are the very first official shot of the soon-to-be-launched Insignia's interior, showing the immense attention to detail Vauxhall's designers have lavished on the car's cabin.

Highlights include chronometer-inspired instruments, use of high-quality fabrics and materials, and a unique instrument lighting system. First impression is of Insignia's bold, wrap around interior, dominated by the signature 'wing' that flows from the front instrument panel and dives into the door panels. The surfaces from the exterior's ‘blade' feature are echoed in the shape of the interior grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps dramatically into the door armrest.

To find out more about the all-new Insignia's interior call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

VX Racing Success in Rain at Croft
2 June, 2008

VX Racing displayed outstanding race performances despite atrocious weather conditions in yesterdays rounds of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Croft, North Yorkshire.

The highlight of the weekend was a brilliant victory in race three thanks to a stunning drive from Fabrizio Giovanardi behind the wheel of the Vectra VXR. Matt Neal added to the glory with three podium positions.

The team continues to dominate the BTCC Drivers', Manufacturers' and Teams' Championship following its most successful points weekend of the season to date.

Giovanardi continues to lead the BTCC Drivers' Championship, with the team leading both the manufacturers' and teams' standings. The series takes a break for a few weeks now at the half-way stage; battle will re-commence on the weekend of 12/13 July at Snetterton, Norfolk.

You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here and learn more about the BTCC by visiting the official website at www.btcc.net.

VX Racing Continues Success at Thruxton
19 May, 2008

VX Racing continued to rule at Thruxton last Sunday for rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The reigning BTCC Drivers' and Manufacturers' Champions took home two race victories with birthday boy Tom Onslow-Cole behind the wheel of the Vectra VXR and three third podium places, two for Fabrizio Giovanardi and one for Matt Neal.

Giovanardi continues to lead the BTCC Drivers' Championship by 18 points, with the team leading both the manufacturers' and teams' standings. The series moves on to Croft on 1 June.

You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here and learn more about the BTCC by visiting the official website at www.btcc.net.

Insignia Success at Fleet World Awards
15 May, 2008

The 2008 Fleet World Awards held on 13 May at the Royal Automobile Club in London saw the all new Vauxhall Insignia win the highly coveted Editors Choice Award.

The Insignia, set for its World Premiere at this year’s British International Motor Show in London in July, combines class leading technology with dynamic design. Insignia is the most innovative, ambitious model ever to come from Vauxhall, combining the best environmental technologies with those designed to deliver optimum driver pleasure and active safety.

The Fleet World Editor’s Choice Award is given to the vehicle that, in the opinion of the editor, will have a major impact in the fleet market.

Ken Rogers, Editor of Fleet World commented; “The Insignia will undoubtedly become one of the most important and significant fleet cars of the next few years. In my opinion it will raise the bar in terms of design and specification and for those reasons I feel that it is a worthy winner on my award”.

To find out more about the all-new Insignia call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

New Astra Twintops
9 May, 2008

Prices from £19,295
VXR styling kit standard on XP
Two new colours

With Spring absent this year, there’s no better car than the Astra TwinTop to deal with a mix of weather conditions, be they sub-zero or near-Sahara. And now there are two new models, the Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP, bringing added style and panache to the four-seater convertible range. As with all TwinTops, they feature a three-piece electro-hydraulic roof which can be raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds – even while the car’s moving at up to 18mph.

In addition to the TwinTop Exclusiv (which replaces the Exclusiv Black edition), the Exclusiv XP model gains the stunning VXR Styling Pack as standard, with a body-coloured lower front spoiler, rear lower skirt, lip spoiler and side sills. And for the first time, the TwinTop Exclusiv – along with the Exclusive XP – can be specified in two new colours, Star Silver and Panacotta, as well as the existing Power Red and Black Sapphire body colours.

Specification for the new models is generous with unique 18” alloy wheels, heated leather front seats and keyless entry standard on both models and much more. There's a choice of 3 engines, 2 petrol and 1 diesel.

Prices start at £19,295 with automatic transmission available at an additional cost of £1035.

To find out more about the new Twintops call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

VX Racing Continues Success at Thruxton
6 May, 2008

The podium of rounds 7, 8 & 9 of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Donington Park today were in the hands of champions VX Racing, claiming one victory and two second and third positions to extend its lead in the point standings.

Fabrizio Giovanardi secured victory in slippery conditions in race 2 with Tom Onslow-Cole joining him on the podium in 3rd place. Tom also had another 3rd place finish as well as being on the second stop of the podium in the weekend's last race. The series moves on to Thruxton on 18 May.

You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here and learn more about the BTCC by visiting the official website at www.btcc.net.

Vauxhall opens Heritage centre
29 April, 2008

The world's biggest private collection of classic Vauxhalls is to open to the public for one day only.

For 2008, the Vauxhall Heritage Centre will also be celebrating 10 million Astra sales since the model first appeared in 1980. To coincide with the Luton Festival of Transport, the Centre's open day will mark the history of its best seller. A range of Astras will be on display dating back to the MK1, including specials such as the 4S rally car and an ex-BTCC racer.

Visitors will also bear witness to the car's predecessors - the Chevette and the Viva, both of which were built at the current Astra's home - GM's Ellesmere Port factory.

Based at the Heritage Centre in Park Street, Luton, the event takes place on Sunday June 8th 2008 with free entry.

The centre can be found in Park Street, Luton, behind the main Griffin House headquarters in Osborne Road. Use the postcode LU1 3YT to find the exact location if you are using modern technology!

If you're a car nut then this could be the thing for you!

You can find out more about this event by clicking here.

New Tigra Gains Material Coverage
26 April, 2008

Tigra Sport Rouge – Hot and Exciting

New-look fabric roof
From £15,705
Available to order now

Hot off the catwalk the stylish Sport Rouge is the latest edition to the Tigra range featuring a dynamic new change to the drop top roof.

The new Sport Rouge replaces the Sport model, and features a whole host of standard equipment from only £15,705. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature is its roof which is now covered in a stylish Bordeaux Red coloured fabric. Designed to appeal to those who love the look of a fabric soft top but who also want the convenience, security and safety of a hard top, the Sport Rouge offers the best of both worlds. As with all Tigras, the new-look roof can be raised or lowered in just 20 seconds.

There's a choice of four body colours - Metro Blue, Star Silver, Flame Red or Black Sapphire with 16” alloy wheels, an aux-in MP3 player jack and Sports seats.

You can also upgrade to a choice of 17 inch alloy wheels, a full leather pack and rear parking sensors, or even a stylish VXR pack to make your car really stand out from the crowd.

With a choice of three engines prices range start at £15,705, the perfect way to banish those winter blues.

To find out more about the Tigra Sport Rouge call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

Insignia - Dynamic Design & Advanced Technology
19 April, 2008

Sculpted design with a flowing coupé silhouette
All-wheel-drive, active chassis and five engines available at launch World Premiere - July 2008 at the British International Motor Show

With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall’s new-found design language to another level. The premium styling of the new five-seater - initially available in hatchback and saloon guise – clearly defines Vauxhall’s philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body’s sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille with a new-look Vauxhall emblem. A distinctive “blade” feature runs from behind the front wheel along the side of the car, further emphasising its taut and rakish lines.

The Insignia is available with five engines at launch. All meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesels engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

“The Insignia is one of our most ambitious projects to date, and we will be revealing the full extent of our technological progress when the car is officially launched at the British International Motor Show in London on July 22,” says Andy Gilson, Marketing Director, Vauxhall Motors.

To find out more about the all-new Insignia call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

Astra VXR Nürburgring Edition
17 April, 2008

The car for when even an Astra VXR isn't VXR enough...
Astra VXR Nürburgring Edition, on sale now
Exclusive white paint, embossed seats and graphics
Priced at £21,295 on-the-road

There are plenty of hot hatches on the market, but it’s the Astra VXR that’s the undisputed Ring leader... And to prove it, Vauxhall has pulled the wraps off the Nürburgring Edition, named after the car’s spiritual home, where much of its pre-production development was carried out.

Based on the standard Astra VXR and priced at £20,995, each individually numbered Nürburgring Edition will come with an exclusive all-white paint finish and lightweight white 18-inch alloy wheels, equipped with bespoke Dunlop tyres, are also specified. Other exterior features include dark tinted windows, carbon fibre effect mirrors and B-Pillars and distinctive chequered flag body graphics, to further emphasise the car’s incredible performance.

Mechanically similar to the standard VXR, the Nürburgring Edition produces 240PS in factory tune, giving it the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Each UK-specification car will also come provided with a Remus Sports Exhaust, developed with Vauxhall’s BTCC race team, Triple-Eight Race Engineering.

Like the standard car, the Nürburgring Edition benefits from a six-speed manual gearbox and lowered, uprated VXR suspension with ESP as standard. Ventilated 321mm diameter disc brakes at the front and 278mm diameter discs at the back help slow things down, while blue-painted calipers remain a VXR trademark.

The Nürburgring Edition theme continues inside, with carbon fibre detailing on the door trims and fascia, leather trim with the Nürburgring circuit graphic embossed into the unique Recaro front seat backrests and an individually numbered plaque showing each car’s build number.

VX Racing On A High at BTCC Rockingham
14 April, 2008

After rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), VX Racing still lead the pack despite the difficult weather conditions.

Fabrizio Giovanardi leads the BTCC Drivers' Championship by seven points thanks to a 2nd place finish in round 5 as well as fifth places in the other 2 races.

VX Racing's new signing Matt Neal secured his first Vauxhall race win in round 6 which was delayed by the inclement weather and if you saw the race live on ITV4 you will know that race conditions were quite awful; Neal was also third in round 4.

With VX Racing's drivers only failing to score points on one occasion during the race weekend the team leads the manufacturers' championship with 143 points. The series moves on to Donington Park on 4 May.

You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here and learn more about the BTCC by visiting the official website at www.btcc.net.

New Vauxhall Griffin Logo Coming Soon
9 April, 2008

Long established as the face of the marque, Vauxhall’s Griffin will be given a new look for 2008.

The new incarnation follows the rapid progress Vauxhall has made in vehicle design and overall brand perception in recent years, underpinned by the success of both Astra and Corsa models.

Displaying a more dynamic and contemporary look, the new Griffin will make its first appearance on the new Insignia, which will debut at the British International Motor Show in July. It will then appear progressively on every all-new future Vauxhall model.

You will also start to see the new logo appearing at dealers around the country starting in late summer.

All-new Agila available now
7 April, 2008

Five doors • Five seats
1,050 litres of luggage space - no compromises!
Low emissions and running costs
Diesel and automatic options for the first time
Three trim levels • From just £7,595 on-the-road

The latest addition to Vauxhall's stylish, dynamic and versatile model range is going on sale this month, bringing with it new levels of style and flexibility to urban motorists. The Agila enters the rapidly growing small monocab market, one of the fastest growing sectors across Europe, where it accounted for over 1.1 million new registrations in 2007. In the UK, almost 94,264 small monocabs were registered in 2007, and with urban dwellers under increasing pressure to downsize and reduce their carbon emissions, it's an area of the car market that is expected to go from strength to strength over the coming years.
	With the cost of fuel ever increasing and the need for many urban motorists to be seen to be green, low emissions and frugal fuel consumption are high on the agenda for the vast majority of city car buyers. And for those interested in New Agila, there's great news. Whether you prefer petrol or diesel power, there are two engines that have CO2 emissions that fall into the low rate Band B Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) band. Cars falling into this category, emitting 101-120g/km of CO2 , benefit from a VED charge of only £35 a year - a saving of £80 per year over the outgoing Agila. Both the Agila 1.0i 12v and 1.3CDTi 16v have a CO2 output of 120g/km, meaning they fall into this bracket, while no model in the Agila range has a higher VED rating than Band C, making road tax costs cheaper than or equivalent to the majority of rivals.

You can find out more on the all-new Agila call Malcolm Greig or click here to go to the Vauxhall web site.

Spring Customer Offers from Vauxhall
31 March, 2008

Great new car offers from Vauxhall to save you £££. You could save money on selected new Vauxhalls thanks to offers such as Free Insurance or 0% Finance. They are available until 1 July 2008.

Check out the latest finance offers from Vauxhall by clicking here to go to our Special Offers page.

BTCC - Round 1 - Roundup
31 March, 2008

Vauxhall's reigning BTCC champion Fabrizio Giovanardi in a Vectra won the opening 2 races in round one of the 2008 British Touring Car Championship yesterday.

It was an excellent start to the season for the VX Racing team with the 3 drivers scoring 8 points finishes out of a possible 9, which means that Fabrizio leads the drivers' championship and VX Racing leads the team championship.

The next round is at Rockingham on 13 April and the season continues until September.

You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here and learn more about the BTCC by visiting the official website at www.btcc.net.

BTCC - New Season Starting This Weekend
28 March, 2008

The 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship begins this weekend at Brand's Hatch in Kent with the first round of the season which comprises 3 races.

Vauxhall reigning champion, Fabrizio Giovanardi, is looking to repeat his success of 2007 in the VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra supported by his new team mates Matt Neal and Tom Onslow-Cole.

If you can't make it to the races then you can follow the action on ITV throughout the season. You can find more about the VX Racing team by clicking here to visit their web site where you will find photos, race reports and lots more!

New Insignia - Official Spyshot
17 March, 2008

Vauxhall has released a new teaser image for the new Insignia, the replacement for the Vectra, which will be launched at the 2008 British Motor Show in July.

Insignia is the most innovative, ambitious model ever to come from Vauxhall, combining the best environmental technologies with those designed to deliver optimum driver pleasure and active safety.

You can find out more about this new model by clicking here.

Meriva Concept: Dynamic Design & Innovative FlexDoors System
28 February, 2008

This is the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva Concept, due to be unveiled next week at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008), illustrating how the new Opel/Vauxhall design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for this segment.

The Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept’s front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other.

Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.

Expect to see parts of the concept model when the new Meriva arrives in showrooms.

Revised Zafira as Sales Boom
15 February, 2008

MPV best-seller gets improved trim and styling changes
Exclusiv model introduced
Zafira remains the market leading MPV

Britain’s best-selling MPV has just got even better!

With some styling changes, a new trim level and equipment upgrades, the class-leading Vauxhall Zafira looks set to further increase its popularity in the UK market.

The changes include extra chrome detailing on the radiator grille, new foglamp surrounds, revised rear lamp clusters and chrome detailing on the front headlamp lenses.

With a focus on high value and comprehensive equipment levels, the new Exclusiv trim comes with an impressive equipment list. Standard kit includes air conditioning, a CD stereo, remote central deadlocking, electric front windows, side, front and curtain airbags. Curtain airbags become standard on all Zafira models.

In 2007, Vauxhall sold almost 48,000 Zafiras, giving the model over a quarter of the segments market share. The Zafira alone beat the combined sales of one key rival’s three MPV models, proving that the model’s flexibility makes it a favourite with many different types of customer.

It is available now - click here for more details about the revised Zafira from the Vauxhall web site.

Rising Star Joins VX Racing for 2008 BTCC Season
10 January, 2008

Vauxhall has announced the signing of Tom Onslow-Cole, the new rising star on the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) horizon, who will partner the 2007 BTCC Champion, Fabrizio Giovanardi, and Matt Neal in the Vauxhall Vectra.

Onslow-Cole's successful debut season, in which the 20-year-old won one race, did not go unnoticed by VX Racing's team members. "We're really happy to have Tom on board for 2008 as he is a young driver with great potential.

For more details about Tom go to the VX Racing team by clicking here to visit their web site where you will find photos, race reports for 2007 and lots more!

Low CO₂ and Competitive Pricing....
.... The Flexy New Agila
17 December, 2007

New Agila arrives at showrooms in April
Prices from £7,595 on-the-road
Low CO₂ rating of 120g/km on petrol and diesel models

With low emissions and an affordable price tag the New Agila is set to be hot in the city when it arrives in Vauxhall showrooms in April.

Available to order from early in 2008, this compact but flexible newcomer benefits from tax-busting CO₂ figures of just 120g/km on both the entry-level petrol and diesel engines, which means it will fall into VED Band B – the cost of a tax disc being just £35 a year!

Prices start at £7,595 and there are three trim levels on offer, all with impressive levels of standard equipment, plus the added advantage of the car’s incredibly versatile interior layout.

Click here for more details about the new Agila from the Vauxhall web site - the Ben Greig web site will keep you up-to-date with more news in the build-up to its launch in April.

INSIGNIA: A New Name for a New Era
30 November, 2007

Vauxhall’s new mid-size model will make its debut at 2008 British Motor Show.

It's a new name for a bold new model and you will be able to take a personal look at it in London in July. The Insignia marks the dawn of a fresh era for the Griffin-badged marque. With its dynamic design and class leading technology, the new Insignia will shift the perception of the Vauxhall brand to a more aspirational level. It adds both dynamic zest and visual desire to Insignia's core market, while also displaying the same kind of upmarket feel as some of its more expensive rivals.

Click here for more details about the new Insignia from the Vauxhall web site - the Ben Greig web site will keep you up-to-date with more news about the Insignia in the build-up to its launch next year.

Ben Greig Vauxhall is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.