VAUXHALL is to launch a factory-fitted liquefied petroleum gas version of its Zafira, with alternative fuelled versions of new Vectra and Corsa set to follow.

A Vauxhall spokesman said a 'green' version of its mini MPV could be available in early summer, but stressed no launch date had been finalised.

The new bi-fuel Zafira will initially use Vauxhall's 1.6-litre petrol engine and should be Euro IV compliant, but Vauxhall is also looking at a converted version of its 1.8-litre powerplant if the range proves successful.

An LPG Zafira costs £1,950 more than its petrol counterparts, which would take the list price of a Zafira 1.6 Club five-door from £13,290 to £15,240. But fleets can apply for a PowerShift grant to cover an element of the conversion cost. A 46-litre-LPG fuel tank will be placed in the spare-wheel well underneath the vehicle so that no load space is lost inside the vehicle.