(Thu 15 May 08)

Volvo has introduced new features to all its 2009 model year cars, which are available to order now and officially go on sale in July.

The C30, S40, V50 and C70 all get a larger Volvo emblem on the tailgate to bring them in line with the new XC60, V70 and XC70. All models apart from the S60 will now come with an automatic door mirror folding function, while the optional Communications Pack gets the RTI navigation system, keyless drive and Bluetooth connectivity (except on the C70, which the first two of these items as standard already).

The Bluetooth system becomes an individual option costing £200 on the C30, S40, V50 and C70, while for £50 all Volvos can be bought with a new Homelink option whose buttons - integrated in the sunvisor - allow the driver to operate remote-control home appliances such as garage doors.

The RTI Navigation system has been revised and now costs £1500 as an option on the C30, S40 and V50. C30s get the hard luggage cover as standard on all trim levels, though you can choose the soft cover instead without paying anything extra. The 2.4-litre petrol engine has been deleted from the C30 range, and the Powershift gearbox already found in other models has become available on the two-litre diesel C70 as a £1250 option.

For the XC70 there's an updated rear-seat entertainment system, some additions to the SE Lux specification (including active headlights and load-compensating suspension) and new Driver Support and Security packs. Much the same applies to the S80, which gets a FlexiFuel version of the 2.5-litre turbo engine.

S60 SE Sport models now get active headlights with their own cleaning system plus an anti-theft alarm with level sensor, and the S60 range as a whole has come down in price, starting at £19,995 for the 2.0T SE. Changes to the V70 and XC90 specifications have already been explained in a previous news story.

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