An exact date for the launch has yet to emerge, but sources in rival newspaper groups have said that they are expecting it in September. Guardian Newspapers has so far only revealed that the launch, which will make The Guardian the UK's first full-colour national, is this autumn.

Speculation still surrounds whether the paper's G2 and recruitment sections will remain half the size of the main section, as they are at present, or grow to the full Berliner size.

The installation of three Tolerans stitchers on the MAN Roland Colorman presses, however, will allow a bound half-Berliner section to be produced on the presses.

The Guardian's switch will be followed by The Observer in early 2006.