Vauxhall has released details of its new look Vectra and Signum.

The new Exclusiv model will replace the entry-level Expression for the Vectra, and will cost £14,750.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, six airbags and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. The 1.9-litre CDTI diesel engines has been slashed by £450 compared to the outgoing models.

Prices for the Vectra Life are unchanged, but the specification includes a fold-down armrest and chrome cabin detailing. Design models will also get electric rear windows, an eight-way adjustable passenger seat, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensitive wipers, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror, auto headlights and a remote control power tailgate for estate models.

In addition to the Design’s equipment, the flagship Vectra Elite now gains standard colour-screen sat nav.

A VXR variant of the Vectra will appear in late 2005, developing upwards of 253bhp, and will replace the current GSi.

The new Signum will be offered in four trim levels – Exclusiv, Elegance, Design and Elite – and as before, all models feature satellite navigation as standard.

The Elegance and Exclusiv now both get chrome-effect air vent controls, while the Design gets rain sensitive wipers, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror, automatic headlights and ambient interior night lighting. Elite models gain a colour monitor with split-screen facility for the sat nav, ventilation and audio controls.

An all-new 228bhp 2.8-litre V6 24-valve turbocharged petrol engine will directly replace the current 3.2-litre V6, and will be offered in Elite models mated to an all-new six-speed auto gearbox.

Both the Vectra and Signum ranges include a six-speed gearbox as standard on 2.2-litre models, while the newly Euro IV compliant 3.0-litre CDTi diesel gets a power boost from 175bhp to 182bhp.

A range of new options known as Plus Packs will also be offered. The Life Plus Pack combines 16-inch alloys with a CDC40 DAB digital radio for £695, the Club Plus Pack adds automatic air con and a CDC40 stereo for £595, Design Plus Pack combines 17-inch alloys with a CDC70 stereo and colour monitor for £895, SRi Plus Pack adds 19-inch alloys and a CDC40 stereo for £750 and the Elite Plus Pack adds 19-inch alloys and a sunroof for £750.

Two VXR Styling Packs are set to debut, taking cues from the sporty VXR models in Vauxhall’s line-up. VXR I consists of 18-inch alloys, front skirts, side sills and a rear spoiler and costs £650, while VXR II adds 19-inch alloys and a deeper front bumper skirt for £1,200.

New Towing Packs are also available for Vectra saloons, hatches and Signums, it adds ESP with Trailer Stability Programme, auto-levelling suspension and a detachable tow bar and costs £650, while on Estate models buyers can specify the same package with a fold away tow bar for £850.

Dealers are taking orders for Vectra and Signum now, with first deliveries to customers on October 1.