SPRING 2007 has arrived - so it is time for Volvo to unveil its 2008 ranges.

Or, rather, one of them - the best-selling S40 saloon and estate-car stablemate, the V50 Sportswagon.

The S40 and V50 are Volvo's best-sellers in Britain, with the firm moving some 12,000 of them through its showrooms here last year.

The estate outdid the saloon in the sales charts by about 1,000 models, and the latest upgrade should see those figures easily exceeded.

Volvo says the external and cabin redesign will improve driving dynamics, interior versatility and overall safety, and both S40 and V50 arrive in the UK in July.

Fans of these solid, well-built machines will be pleased to know they can be ordered from next month, when production is due to start. On the outside, the S40 story is one of a new-look nose, with and chrome-framed egg-crate meshed grille, complete with a larger Volvo badge - drawing inspiration from the all-new S80 saloon.

There are new, clear-lensed headlamps, and the integral fog lamps have been reworked, too. At the rear, the S40's new tail lights - fitted with light-emitting diode (LED) brake lights - are now smaller, with new graphics, and sit slightly higher than before.

A new bumper and revised boot handle design, plus a more sporting exhaust pipe layout, complete the S40's visual makeover.

The V50 Sportswagon, meanwhile, moves closer to the Volvo V70 estate, with a sportier front grille and headlamp layout, and distinctive three-part front air intake. Like the S40, the Sportswagon also features Volvo's deep-set chrome grille and larger Volvo badge.

The distinctive rear styling on the V50 now benefits from slimmer tail lights, and it, too, gets a new boot handle, restyled bumper, and a revised pair of exhaust pipes.

Restyled lower door mouldings and side sills also underline the visual changes between old and new saloon and Sportswagon models. Both S40 and V50 cabins get more storage space and carrying versatility, and Volvo's iconic minimalist centre console has revised controls, and is complemented by a multi-function centre tunnel storage area.

The centre armrest is now longer, and sited further forward, for greater driver comfort - and it can turn 180 degrees to act as a mini-table for rear passengers.

Safety is Volvo's forte, and the new ranges include yet more protective features.

Active headlamps, that swivel the light beam with steering direction, are an option, and if any of the Volvo's airbags are deployed, the hazard lights will automatically be activated - to warn other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark.

Also, during emergency braking, or when the anti-lock function is activated, the emergency brake lights function flashes all three brake lights five times a second to warn following drivers of the manoeuvre.

Isofix points in the rear seats are now standard, as is water repellent glass on the front side windows is standard on SE models and above, and available as an option on S and Sport.

All power trains have been uprated to improve driving dynamics, and Volvo will release full specifications and UK prices nearer the early-July on-sale date.