VOLVO has revealed a 'warm' version of the 40 series for customers who want more pace than the standard cars without the tearaway performance of the new T4. The new 2.0T uses a light pressure turbo to deliver 160bhp in a slightly more restrained fashion than the scorching T4.

With a top speed of 136mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds, the 2.0T is no slouch, but although it has an extra 20bhp over the standard 2.0, at 31.7mpg, its average fuel consumption is marginally better. The newcomer also benefits from the more powerful ABS brakes and improved suspension engineered for the T4 plus driver's and side airbags as standard.

Volvo corporate sales manager Alistair Murray said he expected the two new turbocharged versions of the 40 series to account for about a fifth of total S40 and V40 sales. The 2.0T goes on sale early next year, with prices starting at £17,625.