VOLKSWAGEN has announced specification improvements for its Golf model range as the company moves closer to its aim of competing head-on with the 'big four' fleet players. The move is an early launch of the 1997 model year cars which would normally go on sale in September after old model stocks have been cleared in the August rush.

Central locking with security protection and torch key - worth £261 - becomes standard on the Golf L, SE 1.4 and 1.9D. The L Estate also gains central locking, roof rails and a luggage cover - all worth £676.

CL models and the SE 1.8 have electric windows as standard. The five door versions have them all round and there's no change in price. On three door models the change is worth £629 while customers picking a five door CL or SE 1.8 will get £728 worth of extras at no cost. The CL Estate gets roof rails and electric windows all round, Volkswagen claiming a saving to the buyer of £999.

The Golf GL gains seven spoke alloy wheels as standard - an enhancement valued at £497. The GL Estate was already well equipped so Volkswagen has given the 2.0 GL and the TDI GL models a £140 price cut. All GTI buyers gain front fog lights worth £210. Sony audio equipment fitted to most VW models is now CD autochanger. To trade up, the cost of the original system is subtracted from the upgraded system.