FLEET drivers are in line for a best-of-both-worlds offer when Citroen rolls out its new range of advanced-diesel Xantia models at next week's British International Motor Show. In a bid to boost UK sales, executives at the French company have decided to make their high-economy 2.0 HDI power unit available in a car with lower-level trim aimed at the fleet market.

Though pricing of the new range will not be released until next week's show debut, it is believed the LX will cost less than £17,500 on the road. The latest unit from PSA uses common rail injection technology and is lighter than the outgoing 2.1-litre engine.

It is also due to be offered in the Peugeot 406 and will go under the bonnet of the new British-built 206 next year. Producing 110bhp, its output is the same as that of its predecessor, but because most of its torque is at lower speeds, Citroen claims it gives the Xantia a combined economy return of more than 50mpg.

In another move to boost popularity of its mid-range model, Citroen is also poised to reveal that the Xantia is to be the first of its cars to have an integrated Trafficmaster system. All but the lead-in version will have the latest equipment.