Astra and Insignia get fleet-focused trim

Vauxhall has announced a new trim level for the Astra and Insignia which will appeal specifically to company car drivers.

Dubbed ‘Techline’, the new spec promises low P11d values, which means agreeable benefit-in-kind costs too. Working in conjunction with efficiency-boosting ecoFlex technology, the savings over the ‘SE’ trim level add up to a substantial amount of money. On the Insignia, Techline trim will save you over £1,000 in company car tax over three years versus the equivalent SE model on the 40% pay scale.

So what does Techline actually mean? Well, company car drivers can expect more equipment, meaning they’re less likely to have to dip into the BIK-bolstering options list. You get sat nav, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth handsfree, USB connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a chrome-effect window surround.

The Astra is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines. The one most likely to appeal to company car drivers is Vauxhall’s efficient 1.7-litre diesel in either 108bhp or 128bhp guise. Both emit just 99g/km of carbon dioxide, which means 13% benefit-in-kind as well as zero VED and of course a 100% discount on London’s congestion charge.

The Insignia Techline can be ordered with a range of engines, although company car drivers will likely be most interested in the 2.0-litre, 158bhp diesel unit because it emits 115g/km of CO2.

Now for the actual price. The Astra Techline with the 1.7-litre (128bhp) diesel engine, with emissions of 99g/km and a P11d value of £19,165, will cost a 40% tax payer £83 per month.

The Insignia Techline with the 2.0-litre diesel engine and 158bhp has a P11d value of £20,425 and emissions of 115g/km CO2. This means a company car driver in the 40% tax bracket will have to pay £88.50 per month.

You can order both Astra and Insignia Techline in either five-door hatch or Sports Tourer configuration.