WITH 60 per cent of Volvo's UK customers now choosing diesel power, it should come as no real surprise that two new versions of the five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are to be introduced.

The D5 engine's power output increases from 163bhp to 185bhp and from 340Nm to 400Nm of torque (similar to many six cylinder diesels), and Volvo will also introduce a new 2.4D model with 163bhp and 340Nm.

Both these diesel engines have received new engine management systems to improve refinement and flexibility, as well as new turbo-chargers, new fuel injectors and combustion systems and diesel particulate filters. These changes and improvements mean that the engines meet all the necessary Euro IV emission regulations, and in addition cut down noise.

The D5's increased power improves performance noticeably, with 0-62mph times reduced by at least one second. For example, the 0-62mph time for the S60 D5 is down from 9.5 seconds to 8.2, while the XC90 D5, which also gets a new all-wheel drive system fitted with instant traction, improves from 12.2 seconds down to 10.9 seconds.

Instant traction, fitted to the V70, XC70 and XC90 with all-wheel drive, means power is fed to all four wheels before any of the wheels start to slip and more power is fed to the rear wheels as the car pulls away to improve acceleration. Once moving, power is balanced between front and rear, reducing drive to rear wheels when not needed, and so cutting fuel consumption. When needed, power becomes instantly available at the rear wheels.

Service intervals for these engines are extended to 18,000 miles, and both have a new six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A new six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission will go into production in October, and until then, the D5 163bhp engine will continue to be available.

The compact, high torque six-speed Geartronic auto/manual transmission will be available for high performance S60 R and V70 R models and both the new diesel engines. This gearbox reduces the 0-62mph times of the S60 R from 7.2 seconds to 6.4 seconds and the V70 R from 7.5 seconds to 6.7 seconds.

The new D5 engine is available on the Volvo XC90 and XC70, while the S60 and V70 offer new diesel engines, the 2.4D and the D5.

There have been improvements made to models throughout the Volvo range. The S40 S and Sport models now have cruise control and steering wheel audio control as standard, with a price increase of £200 for the S model and £250 for the Sport. Both SE and SE Sport models gain a power driver's seat with memory and rear 12V socket, with price increases of £300.

The S60 gets the new 2.4D and D5 engines are both available in the S, Sport and SE specifications. Prices are increased by £525 for the 2.4D and a further £860 for the D5.

The S80 range now offers the Volvo navigation system, and the S and SE models will now be replaced with one high level trim, the SE Lux. There are design changes, too, with models distinguished by clear side marker lights, black grille and chrome door mirrors to match the door handles. Internally, there are two new aluminium/chrome inlays available, and the T6's chronograph dials are now standard on all models.

The existing D5 engine with 163bhp continues to be available, but the 2.9-litre and CNG bi-fuel models are deleted from the S80 range.

Higher specification levels for the V50 Sportswagon are also made. The S and Sport models get cruise control, steering wheel remote audio controls, a rear 12V socket and grocery bag holder, while SE and SE Sport models gain a power driver seat with memory as standard. New colours, including Brilliant Blue, and a choice of three new alloy wheels, are also new for the range. Prices increase by £300 for the S, SE and SE Sport and £350 for the Sport model.

The new 2.4D and D5 engines are both available in the V70 range in S, Sport and SE specifications. All V70 models increase by £100, except for models with the diesel engines - the 2.4D 163bhp is an additional £525, and the D5 185bhp is £845 above this.

Volvo's active Four-C chassis (worth £1,100) becomes standard on the XC70 SE Lux models, which increase by £750, while models with the new D5 185bhp engine increase by £1,280.

Volvo On Call5 communications pack is now available for the XC90 , either as part of the optional integrated GSM telephone, or the Communications Pack. Prices of the SE models increase by £150, while the new powerful 185bhp D5 models increase by an additional £1,535.

Also available now is Volvo Inscription, a way to upgrading and personalising the interior of the S60 saloon, V70 estate or the XC90 sports utility with unique upholstery designs and colours.

The Inscription treatment offers finest quality soft leather upholstery in a wide variety of colours for seat and door panels, and includes soft leather door trims, a sports steering wheel, Nubuck trimmed carpet mats and, exclusively for the XC90, new black walnut wood inlays.

Dealers: Ray Chapman Motors, York Business Park, Poppleton, York (01904 789789); Ray Chapman Motors, Seven Street, York Road, Malton (01653 693751)

Updated: 16:09 Thursday, June 02, 2005