The outgoing hatchback has ranked fourth or fifth in its segment in ‘true fleet’ sales through its lifecycle, according to fleet marketing and Motability manager, Paul Adler, compared to second place for most models and a sector-leading performance by the Insignia.

Addressing this, the Astra will follow the Insignia and Corsa’s lead, with P11d reductions across a simplified range. This cuts £815 off the Design trim and £1,290 from Tech Line, the latter of which has traditionally targeted user-choosers, but a £2,220 reduction on the SRi and £2,935 off the range-topping Elite is expected to drive demand for higher spec levels.

In the new car, 50% of user-choosers are expected to opt into the SRi or Elite trims, both of which feature Vauxhall’s advanced OnStar system from launch. List prices were reverse engineered from a best-in-class whole-life cost position and, with the most fuel efficient engine, Vauxhall is claiming savings of between £2,500 and £5,000 compared to the equivalent predecessor, over three years and 60,000 miles.

Engines at launch comprise 108 and 134bhp versions of the 1.6 CDTi diesel, as well as a petrol range including two versions of the 1.4-litre turbo, and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 103bhp. In early 2016, these will be followed by 82g/km ECOflex and 158bhp BiTurbo versions of the 1.6 CDTi engine, and an Easytronic automated manual gearbox for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol, which emits 96g/km.

Each offers new opportunities for Vauxhall. The ECOflex model is expected to become the volume choice for the range, accounting for 50% of sales with economy of up to 91.1mpg, while wider availability of the BiTurbo will enable the Astra to rival sporty and premium brand models. With the lowest Benefit in Kind in the range, the 1.0T Easytronic is also expected to find some traction in fleet.

Deliveries for the new Astra will begin in October.