Volvo’s giving its S40 saloon and V50 estate a subtle makeover to keep them looking sharp.Both cars get revised front and rear styling, plus subtly restyled interiors.At the front, there’s a reprofiled nose, egg-crate grille and ’50 per cent larger’ Volvo badge. At the back, there is a new bumper – with more prominent twin exhausts on the T5 petrol model - and new LED taillights.Volvo reckons the makeover gives its small saloon and estate a slice of the new S80 and V70’s style.Inside there have been many detail tweaks, most significantly to the centre console, which can now be ordered in “Nordic Light Oak” real wood, giving the car a proper Scandinavian feel. If that’s not your thing, it can also now be ordered in white, just like an iPod.As you’d expect from Volvo, safety features have also been enhanced. Extrememly hard braking now makes the LED brake lights flash quickly, and if an airbag is activated, the hazard lights go on. Swivelling xenon lights are now an option, while ISOFIX child seat fitting are now standard.There’s also a small power boost. The T5 gets an extra 10bhp, as does the D5, which is now also available with a six-speed manual that allows it to use all of the engine’s 295lb ft of torque, while the auto version is restricted to 258lb ft. Production of the tweaked cars starts in May, and the UK should get them in July.
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