VAUXHALL is aiming to shake up the lower medium sector by pegging prices of the new Astra at existing levels. Official prices of the new car, which goes on sale in the UK on March 27 will be announced shortly, but Fleet NewsNet understands they will mirror the current model pound for pound on the majority of versions.

The manufacturer has still to confirm the official price list, but at the press launch at the weekend it was suggested that there would be carryover pricing from the existing line-up - although this will not apply to new engine derivatives like the 2.0 DI and 1.8 petrol.

Vauxhall's move will shock the rest of the motor industry which has traditionally been used to launching new models with a price rise. However, with a new Volkswagen Golf and new Ford Escort on the horizon, Vauxhall is aiming to be ultra competitive from the outset.