Following an internal investigation, the Group said 800,000 vehicles could feature higher fuel consumption and CO2 figures than had been published in determining the CO2 figures for type approval of around 800,000 vehicles.

In total for the 2016 model year approx. 430,000 vehicles are affected across the Group. There is also no indication of how large the discrepancy is.

The list released so far affects 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines, with power outputs from 75hp to 240bhp, as well as some 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols.

These are fitted to the Audi A1, SEAT Ibiza and Leon, Skoda Fabia, Rapid, Yeti, Octavia and Superb and Volkswagen Polo, Tiguan, Jetta, Scirocco, Golf, Golf Cabriolet, Golf SV, Touran, CC and Passat. The Volkswagen Caddy and T6 Transporter are also included, with the 75hp and 102hp 2.0-litre TDI engines.

The group added that it had notified the relevant authorities of the latest findings along with its importers and trading partners.

It also said that it is already in dialogue with the respective countries' financial and fiscal authorities so that all taxes arising in direct relation to the CO2 issue are charged straight to the Volkswagen Group and not to the customers.