VAUXHALL is to put the eye-catching Speedster concept car, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, into production, writes DAVID DUFFY.

The lightweight, mid-engined two-seater with its aluminium chassis and composite bodywork, will be in the showrooms before the end of 2000.

The car will be powered by a new four-cylinder, 147 horsepower engine.

Vauxhall says the 2.2-litre unit will accelerate its new sports car from 0-62mph in under six seconds, giving a top speed of about 137 mph.

Fuel consumption in the European combined cycle is estimated at 40.3 mpg.

Vauxhall chairman and managing director Nick Reilly said: "The Speedster concept car has been very enthusiastically received.

"That is why we have decided to offer our customers a limited-edition, production version of our two-seater fun car."

Meanwhile, the new Vauxhall Zafira, the cleverly designed seven-seater mini-MPV, goes on sale at the end of the month with prices starting at £14,500. The 1.6-litre, 16-valve Zafira has an insurance grouping of 5E.

Story date: Wednesday 19 May

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