VAUXHALL is stepping up its fleet offensive with a new Euro IV diesel and extended service intervals for new models.

The Euro IV diesel Astra offers company car drivers an opportunity to lower their benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax bills, and as Vauxhall's second common rail diesel (following the 3.0-litre Signum) also has improved performance and refinement.

The 1.7-litre engine produces 79bhp, has maximum torque of 125lb-ft and combined fuel consumption of 61.4mpg. An even more economical ECO version, with improved aerodynamics, increases fuel economy to 64.2mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions are 124g/km and 118g/km respectively, guaranteeing minimum BIK tax liability of 15% well into the future.

The new engine is available in Envoy, LS, Club, SXi and Elegance models with prices ranging from £13,275 to £14,775 on-the-road. The ECO version comes only in LS trim at £13,775.

The Euro IV diesel Astra joins a small but growing group of Euro IV compliant diesels now on sale in the UK, including the Toyota Avensis and Corolla, the Audi A3 and 161bhp 2.5 TDI variants of the A4, A6, Allroad and Volkswagen Passat.

Meanwhile, petrol versions of the new Meriva and Signum will have service intervals of 20,000 miles or two years, mirroring the rest of the Vauxhall line-up, while diesel versions of the Signum can stretch to 30,000 miles.