VOLVO has received a positive reaction from the used vehicle guides to its new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines launched in the new S40 earlier this year. Residual value expert EurotaxGlass's has released strong residual value predictions for both the 100bhp 1.6 petrol and 109bhp 1.6D turbodiesel. According to EurotaxGlass's the Volvo S40 1.6D S will be worth 43 per cent, or £6,934, of its original value after three years and 60,000 miles, while the same specification with the 1.6 petrol engine will be worth 42 per cent, or £6,205, of its original value. Already both engines have made a positive impact on the S40 model line up.

"Both 1.6 engines suit the Volvo S40 very well, and combined with a high level of specification and the good ride and handling offered by the new S40, our statistics show we are confident the cars will perform well in the used market," explained Jason King, Forecasting Editor of EurotaxGlass's.

Simon Munn, sales and marketing director, Volvo Car UK said: "The new S40 is great to drive and offers an excellent package, and we are finding the 1.6 engines allow customers to afford a well specified and desirable car from a prestige brand where previously they would be driving something less aspirational. "Combine this with the three/year servicing package that's currently available on all S40 models, and the 1.6 makes extremely good sense," he added.