VAUXHALL has announced a major price realignment of its Vectra and Omega ranges meaning price cuts of up to £900 on certain models. From yesterday (Thursday) Vectra prices fell by as much as £190, although certain diesel models increased in price, while Astra Sport prices fell by up to £500.

The move comes a month after Ford realigned the Escort range and also made substantial changes to its Scorpio pricing policy. Renault, Citroen, Rover and Nissan have also cut prices or enhanced the specification of their upper medium ranges in recent months.

An internal pricing review concluded that key fleet models needed to be pitched directly against competing models from rival manufacturers.

Sample new prices: Astra Sport 1.6 5-dr £13,495 (-£450), Astra Sport 2.0 5-dr £14,745 (-£450), Vectra Envoy 2.0 Di £15,050 (+£150), Vectra 1.6 LS £14,600 (-£40), Vectra 2.0 LS £14,960 (-£190), Vectra 1.6 GLS £16,350 (+£65), Vectra 1.8 GLS £16,600 (+£95), Vectra 2.0 GLS £16,600 (-£50), Vectra 2.0 DI GLS £17,250 (-£150), Vectra 2.5 GLS £17,495 (-£155), Omega Select 2.5 V6 £19,750 (-£450), Omega Reflection 2.5 V6 £20,495 (-£905), Omega Tourer 2.0 estate £21,250 (-£905), Omega 2.0 GLS £20,495 (+£145), Omega 2.5 TD £22,495 (+£145), Omega 2.5 GLS £20,495 (-£855), Omega 2.5 CD £22,495 (-£555), Omega 2.5 CDX £25,495 (-£605).