Vauxhall will launch its own stop-start system next year, promising fleets even lower CO2 emissions on its Ecoflex models.

The first model to gain the technology, which cuts the engine automatically when the driver engages neutral while at a standstill then fires up the engine again when the clutch is depressed, will be the new Corsa Ecoflex which goes on sale next September.

Vauxhall is aiming for CO2 emissions of 98g/km from the 1.3-litre turbodiesel engine. The current Corsa Ecoflex offers 105g/km - dropping below 100g/km will ensure the Corsa is exempt from VED.

In early 2011, the Astra Ecoflex will gain the stop-start technology, driving emissions down to under 99g/km.

The move follows Ford’s announcement at last month’s Frankfurt show that the Focus will gain stop-start technology early next year.

The new Econetic model goes on sale in the spring and will emit 99g/km of CO2 and return an average of 74.3mpg. also announced at Frankfurt and due to go on sale in the UK early next year are stop-start versions of the Seat Leon Ecomotive and Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion – both offering 99g/km of CO2 and 74.3mpg combined economy.

Eventually, the stop-start system will be rolled out across other models in the Vauxhall range.

The manufacturer revealed details of its stop-start programme at the launch of the new Astra model, and also confirmed that an interim Ecoflex version with CO2 emissions of 109g/km will go on sale next spring.

It will be powered by a 1.3-litre CDTi turbodiesel engine delivering 95bhp. Aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance tyres will bring emissions down to under the important 110g/km limit – meaning outright purchase fleets can take advantage of the full first year writing down allowances. For drivers, the model will attract benefit-in-kind tax based on 13% of the P11D price.

Fleets help shape new Astra

Fleet customers have helped Vauxhall tailor the new model for the UK.

With fleets accounting for around 70% of Astra sales, their feedback was considered vital in ensuring corporate buyers got the vehicles they wanted.

Vauxhall held a series of workshops with fleets, leasing companies and price guides last September and among the items discussed was engine offerings, trim levels and their names, pricing and equipment levels.

Adam Collins, Vauxhall’s product manager for compact cars, said: “The fleet feedback from the workshops helped us.

“For instance, we are offering the Exclusiv trim with 16-inch wheels as standard as fleet customers said they didn’t want larger wheels because of the extra tyre costs. However, there is a 17-inch no-cost option available if people really want larger wheels.”