VOLKSWAGEN has taken the unprecedented step of publishing two official list prices, one for 1999 model year cars and one for year 2000 cars that feature a host of specification enhancements. The difference in prices between the two ranges is as much as £1,000 on certain models, following price cuts on 20,000 old model year cars still in stock.

VW claims it has not increased its list prices since May 1998, and has further realigned its range by enhancing the specification of year 2000 cars at no extra cost - it has even cut £350 from the Golf E hatchback.

Other changes on year 2000 Golf hatchback and estate ranges include a standard sunroof (previously £460) and an upgraded stereo on the Golf S; standard air conditioning in lieu of a sunroof (previously £395), and standard CD player (previously £170) on the Golf SE and GTI; and a standard six-disc CD autochanger and rain sensitive windscreen wipers on the Golf V5. The Passat S gains air conditioning in lieu of a sunroof, and upgraded stereo, remote central locking, electric rear windows worth almost £1,000; the SE gains 15in alloy wheels (previously £575) and a CD player (previously £170); the Sport receives CD autochanger, sports suspension, and rain sensor (worth about £750); and the V5 and V6 gain £840 worth of equipment in the shape of a CD autochanger, metallic paint and rain sensor.

Simultaneously, VW has slashed £400 off all 1999 model year Lupos; £600 off Golf S and above derivatives, £600 off Bora S and SE models; £400 off Bora Sport; £1,000 off Bora V5; £1,000 off Passat S models; and £750 off Passat SE, Sport and above. New Polo will cost virtually the same as the outgoing range, with models priced from £8,290 to £14,460 on-the-road when they go on sale in the UK on February 5.