Hat-trick for Vauxhall at Fleet News Awards

Vauxhall chalked up a hat-trick of awards at the 2007 Fleet News “Oscars” with the Corsa, Zafira and Astravan all picking up best-in-class accolades.

An audience of 1,500 fleet buyers and decision-makers at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel saw New Corsa add ‘Best Small Car’ to its growing tally of award successes this year, which have also included the What Car? Car of the Year trophy.

The Fleet News judges said the Corsa “offers a wide range of engines that cater for everything from cost-efficient city runabout in 1.0-litre petrol guise to 125bhp diesel range topper.”

In the category for Best Mini-MPV, the Zafira added to its already impressive array of silverware when it took the best in class accolade for the second year in succession.

The expert judges praised Zafira’s running costs and competitive leasing rates and said it had “held on to its title thanks to its predictability in a sector that puts a premium on reliability and steadfastness.”

Completing the hat-trick was the all-new Astravan, voted Best Van under 2.2 tonnes. The judges admired the looks and driver comfort of the Astravan and also took into account the fact that alternative fuel versions are available.

“Vauxhall’s superb dealer back-up also helped the Astravan win, along with the fact that – unlike some of its rivals – it can be winkled into car-sized parking spaces,” the judges said.

Maurice Howkins, UK fleet sales director for Vauxhall, said: “We are delighted to win as many as three awards at this year’s Fleet News industry Oscars, and this success is testimony to the great models we are now producing within the Vauxhall brand that are synonymous with style, driving excitement and practicality.”