Vauxhall has announced more economical Ecoflex versions of its new Astra range. The 95bhp 1.3 CDTi diesel five-speed achieves a combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km, a 12percent improvement on the 1.7 CDTi version that was previously the most economical Astra. That qualifies the Astra Ecoflex for £35 excise duty, and for company car drivers, a 13percent benefit-in-kind tax rate from April 1st. The Ecoflex option is available with S, Exclusiv, SE and sporty Sri trim packages, with prices ranging from £17,920 to £20,320. Only a five-door body style is available. The Astra Ecoflex's 109g/km puts it towards the front of its class in CO2 emission terms, and while the Ford Focus Econetic (104g/km or 99g/km with stop-start) and VW Golf Bluemotion (107g/km or 99g/km with stop start) improve on it, these bigger-engined models cost significantly more than the Vauxhall. | 
