THE motoring world was treated to its first glimpse of key new models this week as the Frankfurt Motor Show opened its doors.

The Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Volvo S40 and Mazda3 were among the key fleet models put on display, while Ford announced details of a Euro IV-compliant diesel Mondeo.

Each of the new cars is due on sale in the UK early in 2004 while the low benefit-in-kind tax Mondeo will arrive in the UK before the end of this year. It means drivers in the new version, which will cost £300 more than the existing 128bhp Mondeo TDCi, will not have to pay the 3% diesel supplement on benefit-in-kind tax.

Vauxhall has also announced a range of new Euro IV-compliant diesel models. The Aston Martin DB9 (pictured) also made its debut at the show. The company said the new model heralds an exciting new era as it reflects the direction it is now taking with all future models.

Honda's Euro IV-compliant diesel Accord, which will go on sale in January, also made its public debut, promising class-leading fuel economy and emissions.

Concept cars at the show included the Peugeot 407 Elixir coupe, which gives some strong clues to how the new 407 will look when it is launched next year, along with a convertible version of the Hyundai Coupe, with a folding glass roof.
See Fleet NewsNet next week for a full report from Frankfurt

##DB9--none--Aston Martin DB9##

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