Vauxhall is building added value into its successful new Corsa range, cutting many prices and bringing back its popular free insurance programme.

The decision to give the range a New Year make-over follows an eight per cent rise in sales in 2001 and the Corsa's consolidation as one of Europe's favourite cars -- taking first, second or third place in seven countries.

For 2002 Corsa models will see:

Price decreases of up to £765

Air conditioning standard on the top-selling Comfort range

More upper-segment specifications

Three-year zero per cent APR finance on Comfort

Free insurance on Club and SXi

Special rate finance.

Bill Parfitt, Vauxhall executive director, sales and marketing, said: "We intend to build on our very buoyant 2001 sales and we are confident that people will recognise that we have moved to meet their needs in the most practical ways possible."

Corsa has Vauxhall's three-year warranty, a 20,000/one year service schedule, several environmentally friendly engines which cut the vehicle excise duty cost by up to £55 -- and the British Insurance Association's lowest possible insurance ratings.

The Comfort range now has air conditioning fitted as standard along with an improved radio. Along with a price decrease of £55, there is also a three-year zero per cent APR finance offer. Comfort accounts for one third of all Corsa sales. The entry level Corsa Club -- at almost 30 per cent of all sales -- gets standard electric windows and bigger wheels, as well as a manual sunroof. There is free insurance for buyers aged 21-80, subject to eligibility.

The SXi, the athletic looking Corsa with its sports seats and white sports instruments along with alloy-effect interior trim and chunky 15-inch alloy wheels, also has free insurance -- and a price cut on the 1.2-litre 16v powered model of £765. One quarter of Corsa sales are of the athletic-looking SXi, and its following is bound to increase in the new year.

The high-performance Corsa SRi which already has air conditioning, has a price decrease for its 1.4-litre version.

The top of the line Elegance Corsa buyer will see an enhanced specification that includes bigger (now 15 inch) alloy wheels, an improved radio/CD player and foglights, all for a price rise for the 1.2-litre model of £35.