it is in fact a 2009 model continued through 2010 & 2011. it is not unusual to do this. Unless there are significant updates in parts, it helps keep the costs down & all concerned to take a model through 2 or 3 years. No point in changing the colour and mucking about with the spec for no apparent reason other than to make it look different.
Having said that, this bike originally sold for £500 . Now its marketed as a bargain at £50 off the £599 price. Mmmm! even taking into account the rise in costs world wide this seems like a bit of dodgy marketing.
If you have about £450 to spend on a hardtail try the giant revel 1 which offers a superior frame and overall quality.