ECONOMY-minded motorists have two avenues to explore, according to Vauxhall. They are: seek out the most fuel-efficient cars and learn to drive more efficiently to save money and the environment.

Vauxhall asked Martin Holzhofer, the man in charge of the company’s new economy ECO model programme, to produce his top practical hints for money-saving motoring.

Regular routine maintenance is essential. It is also important to check the tyre pressure because low pressure causes increased rolling resistance and costs more money in two areas - in fuel and tyre wear.

Those who are determined to get the maximum fuel economy may choose to inflate the tyres up to two tenths of a decimal point above the specified pressure in bar.

Another useful tip is not to carry unnecessary ballast around in the boot. A 100 kilogramme load can result in increased fuel consumption by more than five mpg in town driving.

Don’t leave the roof-rack on when you don’t need it - everything that worsens the car’s aerodynamic also causes it to consume more fuel.

Turning off electrical accessories like air conditioning, rear window demister or additional lights also results in fuel-saving, because they all use some fuel in their operation.

While on the move, the golden rule is to look well ahead and maintain steady speeds. Unnecessary accelerating and braking not only costs fuel but frayed nerves as well.

Accelerate briskly but not aggressively. Drive in fifth gear from around 30mph and keep to low revs (between 2000 and 3000 rpm) whenever possible.

Using only 75 per cent of the vehicle’s top speed is also economical. It results in fuel savings of up to 50 per cent with only a negligible loss of time.