VAUXHALL has stepped up its safety measures with the introduction of twin front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners as standard on the 4x4 Monterey and side airbags as an option on Vectras on sale from this month.

The Vectra's 12-litre side airbags, which protect occupants' rib cages and help shield the stomach area, sit with a generator in the side of each front seat and inflate within 15 milliseconds. The side airbags, plus a full-size 120-litre passenger front airbag, cost £450. The Vectra CDX already has a passenger front airbag as standard and the side airbags cost £135.

The Monterey gets twin front airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners as standard on all models, as well as minor external styling changes around the tailgate. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, power steering, part-time four wheel drive, central locking, tinted glass and alloy wheels. Diamond models also have leather and wood trim, air-conditioning and a CD multichanger.

Prices for the revised Monterey (on-the-road minus road tax): RS 3.1 TDS £24,450, LTD 3.1 TDS £26,450, Diamond 3.1 TDS £28,350, LTD 3.2i V6 auto £27,750 and Diamond 3.2i V6 auto £29,650.