The move will see the introduction of five new Expression models, plus new ES models in the Insignia and Astra ranges, enabling company car users to benefit from lower BiK rates, based on reduced P11D values.

The Expression models will join five ranges: Corsa, New Astra, Astra Sports Hatch, Zafira and the Astra Twin Top. The savings mean that a Corsa Expression costs £9,995 – over £1,000 less than the current entry model – and the new Astra Expression is just £13,995 – more than £2,000 below where the current Exclusiv range starts.

Moving up a class, the Insignia tumbles in price by nearly £1,700 to £17,120 thanks to the introduction of a new ES model, replacing the current Insignia S. And the ES is actually better equipped than the outgoing model, featuring standard 17-inch Structure wheels and a CD400 CD player with MP3 format.

Moving to the Corsa and Astra Sports Hatch Expression, Vauxhall says that these models have slightly revised specification lists but the new Astra Expression trades no kit or cosmetics for its lower price compared with the S model, other than using the 87PS version of the 1.4-litre petrol engine.

And while the £14,995 Zafira Expression is £3,675 cheaper, Vauxhall is at pains to stress that it loses no kit apart from roof rails and air conditioning compared with the current Life model.