VAUXHALL'S Signum, fitted with the new 2.2 direct injection petrol engine, is the most environmentally friendly petrol car, according to this year’s European ADAC/FIA Foundation Eco Test.

With 79 points, the Signum 2.2 Direct topped the family car section. The EcoTest is designed to provide a fair and meaningful assessment of the environmental performance and impact of cars.

The tests are based on those developed for emissions legislation in Europe, then extended to a range of real driving situations.

The FIA Foundation reports: “No stylised procedure fully reflects the environmental impact of a car in the wide variety of driving behaviours. However, cars that perform well in these tests provide less environmental impact than cars which perform less well.”

The EcoTest, carried out by the ADAC on behalf of the FIA Foundation, tested 113 vehicles in the mini, small, compact, mid-size cars, upper mid-size and luxury car segments.

The highest possible rating was 90 points or five stars; both Signum and Vectra earned four stars each. The Corsa ECO was awarded five stars in 2003.

The Signum and Vectra are also available with the new 1.9 DCT diesel engine, in 120 and 150 hp versions.