THE new Vauxhall Astra should enjoy improving residual values over the next few years. CAP and Glass's agree that the car looks set to have strong resale values into the next century - as long as its sales performance is not hit by over-exposure to the rental market.

CAP Monitor sees a £600 premium in the used price of a benchmark new Astra LS 1.6i 5-door at three years/60,000 miles, compared to its nearest existing model the 1.4i LS. Meanwhile Glass's is also predicting strong residual values for the new Astra, but warns that this could be ruined by too many of the vehicles finding their way into the daily rental market.

Chief car editor Alan Cole said: 'We believe new Astra residuals will be strong and, if the shortage of supply the first year will produce continues, they will be really good. However, it does depend a lot on exposure to daily rental. Provided there is not too much exposure then residual values should be strong for some time.'

CAP Monitor predicts that a new Astra LS 1.6i's used value in August to December 2001 will be £4,800, while the old 1.4i LS will fetch £4,200. CAP also points out that three years ago Monitor predicted that an Astra 1.4LS at three years/100,000 miles would in the spring of 1998 fetch £3,825. The March CAP Black Book put the vehicle at £3,850, while Glass's Guide's book price was £3,950.