THE all-new Vauxhall Astra will 'push' the established Vectra hard for the position of top-seller in the Luton-based manufacturer's range. That's the view of Vauxhall chairman and managing director Nick Reilly, who believes the spring launch of the car will lead to a significant boost in Astra sales resulting in the lower medium sector contender 'closing in' on the Vectra.

Reilly said: 'Astra is a very strong car in the fleet sector and the reaction we have had from fleets has been very positive. Fleet managers have been very positive and complimentary about the car. The new car will give Astra a stronger position in a very competitive sector.'