VAUXHALL'S new Vectra on sale next Thursday has been named Best New Car in this year's Fleet World honours.

The Vectra won through over a shortlist which included the Jaguar S-Type, BMW Series 3, Fiat Stilo, Nissan Primera and Mercedes Benz E Class.

The judges took into account the views of 24,000 fleet operators and company car users.

Fleet World editor Bob Oxford said: "We were in no doubt of the Vectra's significance in the business market. It is good to know it is built in Britain."

Another judge, fleet management consultant George Emmerson said: "The new Vectra looks big and spacious with a level of safety equipment that will move the whole market forward."