VOLKSWAGEN has launched a special version of the Transporter panel van costing £9,995 on the road ex-VAT. The previous lowest price was £11,691.

The new model - called the Transporter 800 Special - is powered by a 68bhp turbodiesel engine. Payload is 875kg and the van features a side sliding door. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is making ABS brakes standard on all LT35 vans, plus three years free servicing, three years UK roadside assistance and a three-year/ 100,000-mile drive line warranty.

And under a new pricing structure, customers can buy engine upgrades but only pay for the lesser-powered model. A 90bhp TDI can be bought for the same as a 75bhp model, saving £1,600; a 109bhp can be bought for the price of a 90 bhp, saving £1,270 and a 130bhp can be bought for the price of a 109bhp, saving £1,140.