VAUXHALL has revealed first details of the new Euro IV emissions-beating Astra diesel due to go on sale in the spring.

The first common rail diesel-powered Vauxhall car, the Astra CDTi will use a 1.7-litre engine developing 79bhp and 125lb-ft of torque.

Hatchback and saloon models promise 61.4mpg on the combined cycle (58.9mpg for the estate), while the added aerodynamic features of the ECO model increase fuel economy to 64.2mpg.

Fleet NewsNet revealed Vauxhall's plans for the engine in September 2002. A 16-valve version will also be used in the forthcoming Meriva. The Vectra will also gain a 3.0-litre V6 common rail diesel in the spring.

Vauxhall chairman Kevin Wale said: 'The Astra 1.7 CDTi is the first model in Vauxhall's comprehensive diesel offensive.

'During 2003 another three all-new diesel engines will be introduced, each of them at the top of their respective segments from a technological standpoint.'

VAUXHALL is offering a retro-fit satellite navigation system with traffic message channel for older cars and vans. The technology uses live information from a variety of sources to provide drivers with the latest news of current traffic conditions on their chosen route to avoid congestion.