VOLVO'S new diesel version of the S40/V40 will be available in UK showrooms in the next few weeks. The Renault-developed 1.9-litre direct injection turbodiesel used in the Megane, upgrades the existing Renault engine used in the S40/V40.

Improved refinement has resulted in better fuel economy with the new 1.9-litre engine achieving a combined consumption of 50.4mpg, extra urban of 61.4mpg and urban of 38.2mpg. This compares with the outgoing 1.9-litre engine's combined figure of 44.8mpg, extra urban of 54.3mpg and urban of 34mpg. The new engine also provides the 1.9D S40/V40 with 95bhp, a 0-62mph time of 12.5secs and a top speed of 112mph. Again an improvement on the outgoing engine's 90bhp and 0-62mph time of 13secs, although it matches the top speed of 112mph.

Standard equipment on the model, which starts at £16,895 on the road (no change on the outgoing model's price tag which increased on January 1 from £16,555) includes air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking and power steering. Other diesels in the Volvo range include the Audi-developed 2.5-litre engine in the S70/V70, and Volvo's own 2.5-litre engine in the S80.