Facelift for Volvo's top-seller

Volvo's given its top-selling model a spring clean inside and out. The S40 saloon and V50 estate have been facelifted with a new look

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Revise gives the V50 and..

By Sam Hardy

16th April 2007

At the front, there's a reprofiled nose with a chrome-framed eggcrate grille, larger badge and fresh lights complete with a full-length air intake. The rear features a new bumper, LED tail-lights and reworked exhausts.

Inside, the trademark 'floating' centre stack has been revised with different controls. There's also a bigger tunnel storage area and more compact handbrake design.

A longer armrest improves driver comfort and features a much larger storage area. Door panels have also been redesigned in the search for more stowage. New trim options include Nordic Light Oak wood and Virtual White - inspired by iPods and similar electronic equipment.

Other changes include a hard drive-based satellite navigation system, fresh speakers and a redesigned key fob which lets the driver close or open the sunroof and side windows remotely. The flagship T5 gets a 10bhp power boost, taking it to 230bhp, while the D5 diesel will come with a six-speed manual gearbox. This transmission arrives later in the year, while the revised S40 and V50 range goes on sale in May.