The move will reduce emissions of soot particles by up to 90% and will have a planned roll-out across group models, starting in June 2017 with the 1.4-litre TSI engine in the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2.0 TFSI in the Audi A5. Implementation will then follow in further models and engine generations.

Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, head of group research and development, said: “Following increases in efficiency and lower CO2 output, we are now bringing about a sustained reduction in the emission levels of our modern petrol engines by fitting particulate filters as standard.”

He added: “In the future, all models will be equipped with the latest and most efficient SCR catalytic converter technology.”