VAUXHALL unveiled two new direct injection turbo-diesel engines at the Frankfurt show - a 2.0-litre 100bhp which will debut in the Vectra and Omega, and a 2.2 115bhp which will first appear in the Sintra MPV. The new units extend Vauxhall's ECOTEC engine family and complement the 2.0-litre 82bhp direct injection engine launched last year in the Vectra.

The new intercooled engines provide more torque and power with the Vectra model entering showrooms next month. A slightly different version of the engine featuring balancer shafts will feature in the 1998 Omega line-up which goes on sale later this year - details of which will be announced next week.

Among the changes is increased safety equipment including, it is believed, standard side airbags integrated in the backrests of the front seats, engineering innovations and revised styling as well as the introduction of powerful new Xenon headlamps. Meanwhile, the 2.2 TDI engine will be added to the Sintra next spring.