The new CO2-based VRT regime, which comes into force on 1 July, will see re-pricing of vehicles across the Opel range, both petrol and diesel. The vast majority of vehicles will now benefit from reductions in price, saving buyers up to €3,400. These savings are compounded by the new annual Road Tax rates that reward the low-emission Opel range. Lower emissions mean better fuel consumption – leading to savings for motorists.

Opel prices will drop on many models in the current range, with some Zafira diesel models dropping by as much as €2,645 following the VRT changes.

The Opel Astra range takes advantage of the new VRT rates: the 90bhp 1.4i petrol engine's low CO2 emissions mean all models with that engine, including the stylish Sport Hatch, the practical 5dr and the capacious estate all reduce in price by €400, while the 1.6i petrol engines with VVT technology and an impressive 115bhp output drop by up to €985!

Choose a diesel Astra and the savings increase, with between €1,400 and €3,100 to be taken off the range of Common-Rail, Direct Injection Turbo-Diesel engines, available in 90, 100, 120 and 150bhp variants. The new Astra Saloon 1.6i reduces by €640, and the diesel engines being introduced in July start from only €22,595, just €200 more than the petrol model.

The Opel Corsa also benefits from its efficiency, with every model (except 1.4i Auto and OPC) reducing in price; the entry-level Life 5 door 1.0 reduces by €855 to €14,595, while the punchy diesel engine versions (with 75 or 90bhp) are up to €1,215 less than before!

The Opel Zafira 7-seater MPV gets two new lower-CO2 engines in 2008, so the price of the 1.6i petrol engine models remains about the same. In fact, the entry-level model decreases slightly, to €26,250. Models with the new 1.7CDTi 125hp diesel engine are reduced by up to €1,750 and the high output 1.9CDTi 150hp diesels by up to €2,645.

The good news continues with the new Agila range, in which the 1.0 petrol engines are in the lowest VRT category, and so are priced from an extremely attractive €11,495. The mini-MPV Meriva model's 1.4 petrol versions decrease in price by up to €450, but again the big price benefit comes by choosing diesel: €2,750 off the 1.3CDTi and €3,150 off the 1.7CDTi!

The Vectra's 1.6i petrol prices remain the same as before July, but the diesel versions' low CO2s mean they decrease in price by up to €3,400. There is more good news for Opel's convertible models: the two seater Tigra model is reduced by up to €1,295, and the stylish Astra TwinTop by up to €2,270. This July represents an opportunity for motorists to take advantage of Opel's range of dynamic, stylish and well-equipped cars while benefiting from their superb efficiency in the form of reduced taxes.

Managing Director of Opel Ireland, Dave Sheeran commented: "We are delighted that Opel is in such a strong position with the introduction of the CO2-based structure, as our ongoing efforts to increase our cars' efficiencies are now being rewarded with lower taxation. There has probably never been a better time to choose a new Opel, as Opel Dealers nationwide are gearing up for the changeover date with the re-introduction of the popular and successful 50:50 scheme and zero per cent finance offers to make the range even more attractive!"

Opel's unique 50:50 scheme enables a buyer to pay (or trade-in) half the price of a new car now and pay nothing until 2010 when the second half is due. 50:50 and zero per cent finance are available on all models except Agila. This is a hire-purchase scheme, so expect that terms and conditions will apply. Ask your local Opel Dealer for details.

Example 1: Astra Club 1.7CDTi.

Price today: €25,995. Old Road Tax €453pa, or €1,359 over 3 years.
July price: €23,950. New Road Tax €150pa, or €450 over 3 years.
Total saving: €2,954 over 3 years.

Example 2: Vectra SRi 1.9CDTi (120hp)

Price today: €33,135. Old Road tax €590pa, or €1,770 over 3 years.
July price: €29,735. New Road tax €290pa, or €870 over 3 years.
Total saving: €4,300 over 3 years.

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