Vauxhall waited for Ford's decision on new Mondeo before finalising its price lists. On top of reductions of up to 12% by Vauxhall is a three-year warranty, putting it in step with Ford.

The Vauxhall Astra is cut by an average of 9%, Tigra by 11% and Zafira by 4%. The new Corsa starts at £7,495 for the 1.0 Expression 3dr, £1,500 more than the outgoing model.

This price includes free insurance plus specification improvements including power steering, airbag and three rear head restraints. Other 3dr models, all with free insurance, include the 1.2 Sxi at £9,995 and the 1.4 SRi at £11,495.

Ford claims price reductions of up to 8.8% on the new Mondeo, though old Mondeo prices were not reduced with other models two weeks earlier. They start at £14,595 for the 1.8LX, which represents a “customer value improvement” of 14%. All new Mondeos get four airbags, electric windows, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and CD player.

Only 1.8- and 2-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel are offered initially, the 2-litre having a £500 premium over the 1.8, and the diesel a further £1,000.