BRITAIN'S best-selling volume fleet executive car - the Vauxhall Omega - will feature a heavily revised interior and exterior as well as a new 2.2-litre 16v petrol engine when the new saloon and estate model is launched in the autumn. On Wednesday, Vauxhall revealed the first official details of 'Omega 2000' which will see the existing 2.0 DTi engine dropped from the present engine line-up while trim levels - GLS, CD, CDX, Elite and the MV6 featuring sports chassis, 20mm lower suspension, sports tyres and modified spring/damper settings - continue.

The new 144 PS ECOTEC 2.2-litre 16v petrol engine is claimed to have more pulling power (151lb-ft maximum torque) than any other engine in its class. It has a 0-60mph time of 10.1 seconds and a top speed of 130.5mph. With the exception of the dropping of the 2.0 DTi 16v 100bhp diesel engine, the rest of the existing engine line-up continues unchanged

The rear-wheel drive DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis has been further enhanced, providing in improved ride, agility and roadholding. Standard features include front seat active head restraints which move forward and upward to cushion the backward motion of the head to reduce the risk of whiplash-related injuries; intelligent electronic climate control system; dual-zone sun sensor; and two front and side airbags. Outside, there are new, transparent headlamps and a new bonnet with prominent V-shaped contours. Prices and precise launch date have yet to be announced.