Volvo options add even more appeal

Improvements to the S40 sedan and V50 wagon include a power boost for the turbo petrol T5, a six-speed manual for the diesel D5, cosmetic changes and better safety features.

When the new models arrive in Australia later this year, the diesel D5 will come with a six-speed manual transmission option.

When the D5 was introduced here in March, it came only with a five-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission can handle the engine's full 400Nm of torque, compared with the 350Nm of the automatic gearbox.

Volvo Car Australia public relations manager Todd Hallenbeck says the first allocation of diesel variants was small but has already sold out.

“The idea of a performance diesel is still very foreign in Australia; where in Europe it is a growing segment above the larger diesel segment,” he says. Meanwhile, the new turbo-charged petrol T5 S40 and V50 models will come with a 7.5kW power boost.

The sedan now resembles the new Volvo S80 saloon with a more profound nose, chrome-framed egg-crate grille, clear-lens headlights, 50 per cent larger Volvo badge and one-piece air intake with fog lights.

At the rear, the smaller tail lights have light emitting diode (LED) brake lights and sit 30mm higher, while the exhaust pipes are larger and integrated into the rear bodywork for a clearly sportier look.

The V50 Sportswagon gets a similar restyle, but retains the three-piece front air dam.

Inside, the iconic Volvo floating centre stack has new controls. The armrest is now longer, flips 180 degrees to act as a table for rear passengers, has more storage and the iPod or auxiliary input connector is now underneath.

There is also a more compact handbrake and the front-door storage has been increased.

Instruments have been restyled, the Premium Sound system gets the Dynaudio speakers available elsewhere in the Volvo range and a redesigned remote key fob with automatic opening and closing for all windows and sunroof. The S40 and V50's safety improvements include hazard lights which activate when airbags are deployed.