VAUXHALL’S Astra range is being revised with a subtle facelift and two new engines which will offer company car drivers lower tax bills.

On sale in January, the new Astras feature revised light units, a new front bumper and extra chrome detailing, while Sport Hatch models receive a honeycomb front grille.

Under the bonnet, the 170bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit is replaced by a 1.6-litre turbo engine offering 180bhp and reducing CO2 emissions from 216g/km to 185 – a drop of six BIK tax bands. Also new is the 1.6 Twinport engine which rises in power from 105 to 115bhp but drops CO2 slightly from 158g/km to 156.

Paul Adler, Vauxhall’s brand manager – fleet, said: ‘Despite the success of diesel, petrol engines are still very popular for company car drivers and these new engines show that drivers can enjoy an Astra with more performance than before, yet with greater fuel efficiency while attracting the same or lower BIK tax – a real winning combination.’

Prices rise by £15 across the range.

The 2007 model year Astra