VOLVO’S diesel engine offering is widening with the launch of two high-power D5 models.

The 177bhp five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel unit is now avail-able in the S40 and V50 ranges, with prices starting at £23,205 and £24,565 respectively.

They will initially be avail-able with a Geartronic automatic gearbox, although a six-speed manual will follow later next year.

Volvo’s corporate sales and leasing manager, John Wallace, said: ‘These engines give corporate motorists who are downsizing the inherent benefits of a larger diesel engine in a smaller car.’

Both models are claimed to return 40.4mpg on the combined cycle and produce CO2 emissions of 184g/km, putting them in the 23% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.