VAUXHALL aims to boost the appeal of its Antara sports utility vehicle when new models go on sale next month - and has started by slashing £3,000 off its entry grade car.

The revamped range, which kicks off with the 2.2 CDTi Exclusiv front-wheel drive variant at £19,995, also heralds a fresh style, improved dynamics and more efficient engines.

Design changes see the new Antara sporting an updated front grille and distinctive Griffin logo, enhanced fog lamps, smarter rear lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

And a revised Euro 5-compliant engine line-up gives more performance as well as reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Latest entry is a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI turbodiesel, producing either 163PS or 184PS, the former available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive mated to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox.

The 184PS unit also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

A re-worked chassis with revised spring and damper settings enhances the new Antara's dynamics both on and off-road, while the car's adaptive four-wheel drive system switches automatically between two and four-wheel drive as conditions demand.

In normal conditions, only the front wheels are driven - saving fuel - but in slippery conditions four-wheel drive is employed for maximum traction.

The new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage, while there's now a standard electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System and "shift-up" indicator to help optimise fuel economy.