THE success of the Volvo S40 and V40 is all set to increase with the arrival of numerous new features for the model year 2000.

Major improvements have been made in core areas such as safety, fuel economy and performance as well as other items that make the S40 and V40 range more luxurious and appealing than ever before.

Since its introduction in 1995, the Volvo S40 and V40 range has been one of Volvo's greatest success stories, building a reputation as one of the safest cars in its class. That position is strengthened further with the latest changes to the S40 and V40.

First introduced on the flagship S80 last year, Volvo's award winning Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) is now standard across all Volvo's passenger cars making the new S40 and V40 the first mid-range cars to be equipped with this technology as standard. Tests have shown that Volvo's WHIPS-seats reduce the forces acting on a person's neck following a rear-end collision by up to 50 per cent.

In conjunction with the WHIPS system, the new S40 and V40 also benefit from Volvo's advances in airbag technology with improved side airbags and two-stage front airbags.

The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre versions of the Volvo S40 and V40 ranges have been extensively revised. Almost all of the moving parts in the engines have been changed for lower fuel consumption, better performance, improved comfort and reduced emissions. The 1.8 model carries a top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph time in 10.5 seconds.

For Volvo in Wirral, contact Drayton Motors, Clatterbridge. Phone 334-8602.

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