FIRST deliveries of 2003 models of Volvo's S40 saloon and V40 estate are expected in late May or early June. The stylish internal and external changes include a black grille, revised four-dial dashboard instrumentation, three-spoke steering wheel and body coloured mouldings (SE and Sport Lux models).

Most models have improved fuel economy and emissions, while all have increased safety and specifications, with many prices reduced. Standard specification has been improved with all models gaining front fog lights, electric rear windows and passenger airbags as standard, while all V70 models now have roof rails and a cargo net as standard, too.

Volvo has also made the S40 and V40 even safer, with bigger, deeper inflatable curtains to protect occupants in side impact collisions, that now deploy quicker.

The 1.8i direct injection petrol engine is now available in Sport as well as SE models, making its lean CO2 emissions of just 164 g/km now available from £16,880 and £17,880 on the road for the S40 and V40 respectively. Other model changes include the deletion of the lower powered, 102bhp 1.9D diesel engine in Sport and Sport Lux models, while the top of the range T4 models are now known as T4 Sport and Sport Lux, instead of S and SE.

The specification improvements are worth up to £490 and £1,020 respectively for the new S40 and V40 S models, with only modest price increases to some models, while many have not changed or have reduced by as much as £500. The 1.6S S40 is now £14,480 on the road; the V40 is £15,480 on the road. The 1.9D Sport Lux 115bhp is £18,900 on the road; the V40 is £19,900.