Vauxhall is rolling out a new test drive programme in an attempt to transform consumers’ views about its products and boost showroom traffic.

The Million Mile Test Drive sees UK retailers each provided with up to seven vehicles, focusing mainly on Astra Sporthatch and Breeze derivatives in the Astra, Corsa, Zafira and Vectra ranges, plus some vans, although Vauxhall does not rule out adding other models to meet demand.

Consumers have the cars for a three-day test drive, restricted to 100 miles.

While the pan-European scheme starts on the mainland this month it does not begin in the UK until April to avoid disrupting the March 05 plate-change. Vauxhall expects to supply 2,300 cars and vans and predicts up to 54,000 customers will take part in the three-month scheme.

It’s likely to be extended for the rest of the year if successful (measured by increased footfall and sales) and introduced to other GM brands like Saab and Chevrolet.

“We expect this to attract a lot of attention and make a big impact in the short-term,” says Vauxhall chairman and GME vice-president Kevin Wale. “But it is a long-term programme to help us build in consideration on drivers’ lists. It’s good timing with our new models.”

Vauxhall is launching the Zafira in July, following by a VXR hot version in October and a VXR Astra, taking the number of models branded with the sporting moniker to four.