SPRING is a big time for Volkswagen, with the launch of the new Lupo and the Bora. The Lupo will arrive with a 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 1.7-litre diesel. A super frugal 1.2-litre diesel, capable of nearly 200mpg is not yet planned for the UK.

The Bora is a vital car for Volkswagen's fleet appeal, with 80% of sales expected to go to corporate buyers. The starting line-up will be 1.6-litre 100bhp, 2.0-litre 115bhp, 2.3-litre V5 150bhp petrol models and a 90bhp TDi turbodiesel, with just a four-door saloon available. A V5 Golf is planned for early 1999 while demand for the New Beetle has persuaded VW to bring in a small quota of left-hand-drive models before the right-hand-drive millennium Bugs arrive in 2000.