The scheme is also open on its Audi, Seat and Skoda brands, for any make or model of diesel car registered in the UK on or before 31 December 2009 which has a Euro 1-4 emissions standard engine.

Drivers taking part will be able to save between £1,800 and £6,000 when buying a brand new Volkswagen car.

Volkswagen was the manufacturer at the heart of the diesel emissions scandal, after admitting it had fitted its cars with devices which allowed them to beat emission testing.

It’s just the latest of a host of manufacturers to introduce scrappage or switching schemes with financial incentives.

Toyota

Earlier this week Toyota announced its own scrappage scheme, with motorists offered between £2,000 and £4,000 off when trading in their old model for a new Toyota.

The offer is open until the end of the year, and Toyota will accept any petrol or diesel cars from any manufacturer from before 2009.

Ford

Ford’s ‘New for Old’ scrappage scheme offers motorists the opportunity to save between £2,000 and £4,950 when they trade in their old vehicle – petrol or diesel – for a new Ford motor.

The old car needs to have been registered before 1 January 2010, while the scrappage scheme runs until the end of the year.

Kia

Trade in a car which is older than seven years old for a new Kia Picanto or Rio and you can enjoy a £2,000 discount.

The Kia scheme is open until the end of the year.

BMW

Motorists who own a diesel vehicle that was registered before January 2011, with a Euro 1-4 emission standard engine can enjoy a discount of £2,000 with BMW.

Its scheme operates until 31 December 2017.

Hyundai

With the Hyundai scrappage and emission reduction scheme, drivers can enjoy a discount on a new car when they trade in a car registered before 31 December 2009.

The scheme is open to both petrol and diesel vehicles until the end of the year, and can save motorists between £1,500 and £5,000 on a new Hyundai.

Nissan

Nissan’s switch scheme runs until the end of September, and offers up to £2,000 off new motors when you trade in your old motor.

It is open to all cars which were registered in 2009 or earlier.

Renault

Renault’s scheme also only runs for the month of September, with a flat discount rate of £2,000 on offer, and is available for cars built to Euro 4 emissions standard or earlier.

New emissions tests

It’s notable that this flurry of scrappage schemes has been launched as new, tougher emission testing comes into effect across Europe.

Cars now have to pass emissions tests in real driving conditions, as well as an improved laboratory test, before they can be driven on European roads.

Jyrki Katainen, vice president for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness at the European Commission, said: “The new emissions tests are a milestone in our ongoing work for cleaner and more sustainable cars over the coming years. But more remains to be done. The emissions scandal has shown that we need more independence in car testing, stronger market surveillance and the possibility for the Commission to intervene in case of wrongdoing.”