Vauxhall is promising that its new Vectra and Signum will be better-value packages than ever before when they go on sale here in the autumn.

Starting with Vectra, a new Exclusiv model will permanently replace the entry-level Expression, and will cost from £14,750.

Aimed at private buyers and company car user-choosers, the Exclusiv has a price to rival some superminis but has an exceptionally generous specification. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, six airbags and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat. The cost of moving up to one of the acclaimed 1.9 litre CDTI diesel engines has also been cut by £450 compared to the outgoing models.

Moving up the range, prices for the Vectra Life are unchanged, but the specification is enhanced with a fold-down armrest and chrome cabin detailing. Design models will 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. Yet again there is no increase in price.

In addition to the Design's equipment, the luxury flagship Vectra Elite now gains standard colour-screened sat nav, sportier front end styling and ambient interior night lighting, again all for the same price as the outgoing car.

A VXR variant of the Vectra will appear in late 2005, developing upwards of 255bhp, 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 230bhp 2.8 litre V6 24-valve turbocharged petrol engine will directly replace the current normally-aspirated 3.2 litre V6, and will be offered in Elite models mated to an all-new six-speed auto gearbox.

A range of new options known as Plus Packs will also be offered. The Life Plus Pack combines 16in 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 17in alloys with a CDC70 stereo and colour monitor for £895, SRi Plus Pack adds 19in alloys and a CDC40 stereo for £750 and the Elite Plus Pack adds 19in alloys and a sunroof for £750.

Two exciting 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 19in 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 neat fold-away tow bar for £850.

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