Eight Vauxhall models go congestion charge-free

Vauxhall offers eight models in its range which are eligible for London’s new ‘Greener Vehicle Discount’, which comes into force today and promises drivers of Euro 5-compliant cars emitting 100g/km or less total exemption from the Congestion Charge.

The Greener Vehicle Discount, or GVD, replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, which previously favoured hybrid-powered vehicles, even if they were more polluting than some conventional petrol and diesel-powered cars. To be eligible for GVD, vehicles simply need to emit less than or equal to 100g/km of CO2 and meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards to qualify for a 100 per cent discount (subject to an annual £10 registration fee).

Vauxhall’s eight Congestion Charge-beaters start with the Corsa 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX Start/Stop 3-door S model, which emits just 94g/km and 78.5mpg on the combined cycle, and up to 91.1mpg on the extra-urban cycle. Seven more sub-100g/km Corsa ecoFLEXs are available in a host of different trims, as well as in five-door form too, but all still emit less than 95g/km.

And there are two more good reasons to take advantage of the Corsa’s thrift and efficiency.

Firstly, the latest Corsa has a fresh look, along with a raft of stunning new colours and equipment for 2011, and this combined with its latest Start/Stop technology and chassis revisions make it not only a great driver’s car, but one that stands out from the crowd.

Driving a sub-100g/km car like the Corsa will also save you even more in Congestion Charge than before, since from today the fee rises to £12 if paid by midnight on the charging day after travel or £10 if paid in advance or on the day of travel, meaning that drivers commuting in to the zone on a daily basis could pay as much as £60 per week.

“We’re committed to offering our customers the most efficient and economical cars in the UK,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. “Not only do our Corsa ecoFLEX models ease the pain of ever increasing fuel costs, but some models are now set to save London commuters even more expense. We also welcome Boris Johnson’s announcement that electric vehicles will be eligible for GVD, which will include our Ampera E-REV when it goes on sale in early 2012.”