DESPITE the hype, Volkswagen has still to receive orders for all 900 of the left-hand drive Beetle's being imported into the UK this year. The manufacturer is two-thirds of the way through a national tour to promote the Millennium Bug and about 200 remain without orders. They went on sale on April 29.

A VW spokesman said: 'The reaction from the public has been interesting. Most people don't seem to realise we have brought the cars in and I am surprised there are some still available. It's rare that you get a car for £15,755 on the road which is so highly equipped with such features as four airbags, alarm, ABS and alloy wheels.'

Better news on the right-hand drive versions that VW is importing next year. All have orders against them.