Nice New Vauxhalls

It’s an uncertain time in the car market with many sellers reporting sluggish business. However, some areas are performing well with certain models proving highly popular. Such is the case for Vauxhall dealers who have been reporting a significant increase in sales last year.

What brings this on? Well, many of them are putting it down to the launch of the Astra. The old model had been performing relatively modestly running well down its class. However in December 2008 we saw a new model, the British built MK 6 and that has been fairly flying out of show rooms.

The result is a renewal of the brands image within the UK market, something that can’t come a moment too soon for hard pressed Vauxhall Dealers. Some of them have been reporting sales up by nearly 40 to 50%.

So what is this growth down to? Well, customers are increasingly migrating to versatile small hatchbacks. Ideally, anything that can offer good fuel consumption, and low emissions as well as the flexibility to be a good all-use car will perform well, and that’s what the Astra offers. It’s unspectacular but reliable and that seems to be very much in vogue at the moment.

During a recession as severe as this consumer behaviour can be termed with one simple phrase: ‘back to basics’. Reliability and dependability become the most sought after characteristics, replacing performance and luxury.

Economists refer to this as the Mummy syndrome. When times are tough we crave stability. We want the state to offer the security of a mother, rather than the aggression of a father. It’s a cheap analogy, but economists love them and there’s no reason not to follow them.

The same principal applies when analysing trends in the car market. On a subconscious level people are craving the stability in their lives. Remember; we’re in a time in which the banks, pillars of our society have proved to be built on sand. Our politicians have let us down and major retail names are disappearing by the day from the highstreet. At times like that we’ll migrate to anything solid.

Vauxhall dealers are tapping into this desire and presenting their car as the ideal solution to all life’s turbulent problems. It may seem ridiculous to think that a car can provide that, but when you consider the amount of time most people spend driving you can recognise the huge significance they place on the vehicle they drive.

For Vauxhall dealers, and indeed their competitors, the challenge is to find ways of presenting their products as being perfect anti-recession vehicles. For some that will prove difficult. Prestige cars such as Jaguar may have to suffer for the time being, but for the more run of the mill manufacturers, this is their time in the sun.

Dom Donaldson

The face of the Vauxhall Corsa has changed dramatically over the years, going from a small, boxy car to the larger and more spacious size of today. Heralded by the irritating ‘C’mon’ adverts, the new model offers a different face to the brand. Due to the fact that the whole car is now bigger, the small engine struggles to pick up speed, especially on high speed motorways. The diesel picks up quicker, but at current fuel prices, will give your wallet a hefty whack.

The five door is spacious, with plenty of room for guests to relax, and the drivers seat offers a chair that you can put up and down, as well as move nearer and further to the wheel. You cannot adjust the steering column, but with these features even the shortest legged lovely should be OK. If you go for the three door option then it is very hard to get three in the back, as the tapered shape minimises comfort and better suits two.

The boot seems small but offers a deepener, much like a parcel shelf, that you can remove if you have lots of shopping or bags to go away for the weekend. The spare wheel is hidden away nicely too.

Inside, the dashboard is smart and most models have air conditioning and a CD player, as well as being compatible with MP3 players. It looks stylish, and is certainly better than earlier models.

The engine is slightly noisy, but stick the radio on and you won’t be able to hear it. The car comes with six airbags as standard for added safety, and if you go for the more deluxe model there are plenty more safety features for you to choose from, to keep you secure when on the roads.

The car is cheap to tax, and Car Insurance Quotes come in very cheaply too.

All in all, the new Corsa is a great city car for zipping around, and is stylish and contemporary.

Laura Hartson

Even the car connoisseurs can get a little flummoxed when deciding which used Vauxhall car they ultimately like best. With so much choice, each complete with the trusted Vauxhall name, drivers might feel just a little bit spoilt for choice to say the least. Plus, drivers love the fact that buying used means they can save lots of money. With the tough part being decision-making which model is best, here’s a quick breakdown about which ones are likely to appeal:

Used Vauxhall Insignia

Although a relatively new model, this is a car that drivers will find great savings on when they buy used. This executive-style 5-door vehicle is kitted out with the latest mod cons and its gleaming looks put it on the same level as a BMW or Audi. The good thing though is that a used Vauxhall Insignia costs much less! Luxury style is affordable with a used car, and this is what makes buying used so instantly appealing.

Used Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa; perhaps the most popular small car of all time? Well, it stands a good chance of being up there with the best, and whether it’s a new style Corsa or a cheap old run-around, there is something for everyone to fall in love with at a garage full of used Vauxhall Corsas. People often find it difficult to decide between a Corsa and an Astra because they are quite similar, whereas something like the Insignia is reserved for the more adventurous car buyer looking for a really impressive motor, perhaps as a business car.

Used Vauxhall Vectra

Although larger than a small hatchback, the Vauxhall Vectra always appeals, as it is a typical family car. There are some great deals on used Vauxhall Vectras these days, and it doesn’t matter what age of vehicle you’re looking for, there always suitable options at your local used Vauxhall cars garage.

These are just some of the popular used Vauxhall cars that people have trouble deciding which they want to buy. The key is understanding what the purpose of the car is, so that you can make a worthwhile decision. If its needed for mainly business, a Vauxhall Insignia is an ideal choice. If its for trips round town, a used Vauxhall Corsa is likely to be the better option. For families looking for space and a smooth ride, the used Vauxhall Vectra should be considered.

To buy any type of Vauxhall car, be sure to visit this very popular site dealing in Used Vauxhall Cars. Visit http://www.allsmallcars.co.uk today.

The new, updated Vauxhall Astra will be launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show and images released by the manufacturer already have fans of the car drooling. After its initial debut at the Motor Show the Astra will be on general UK sale towards the end of the year.

One of the main selling points of the new Astra will be its increased cabin space. This mid-sized family car is often expected to carry up to five passengers in the average household so space is generally very important to buyers. The space within the body of the Astra has been increased and will deliver higher levels of comfort and space for both the driver and any front and back seat passengers.

The cabin of the Astra has also been given a more “premium” feel. Vauxhall have recognised that buyers are searching for value but also quality. The interior of the new Vauxhall Astra has elements of the Insignia and the wrap around instrument panel is particularly striking and well laid out. Vauxhall are aiming to raise the bar in the compact car class and early photos and press releases suggest they might just achieve this.

The popular outgoing Astra is still on sale, with prices starting from around £15,000 OTR. As with many new cars when a new model is set to be released dealers are keen to shift their existing stock, so shop around and haggle. You may grab yourself a real bargain. The current Astra is an impressive and successful car in its own right. It is available with a choice of engines in both petrol and diesel and boasts a five star NCAP crash test rating, so safety standards are high.

Vauxhall currently have a variety of deals in place for the Astra and all other models in their range. A popular deal available on the Astra currently is a zero percentage finance offer. The Government scrappage scheme could also save you a further £2000 if you have a car over 10 years old that you are willing to trade in against a new car.

Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on New and Used Vauxhall Cars. Visit http://www.vauxhallclick.co.uk today.