VOLVO set to launch diesel S40 and V40 in the UK early in the new year. Already available on the continent, the new additions are powered by 1.9-litre Renault-derived turbodiesels which have been modified to include an electronic fuel pump and exhaust gas recirculation.

Developing 90bhp, the engine is capable of 112mph and sprints from 0-62mph in 12.6secs while returning average fuel economy of 44.8mpg. Volvo expects the diesel variants to account for around 3,000 sales a year - 15% to 20% of total V40 and S40 sales, which have already topped 5,000 in the UK with another 2,000 customers on the waiting list.

Prices start at £15,870 on the road for the S40 TD and £16,370 for the V40 TD and in addition to SE and CD trim levels, customers can tailor the specification to their own requirements by adding a range of option packs.