Next is the fuel costs – bio-ethanol is cheaper than regular unleaded petrol by about 20%, so there is a hint of a running cost advantage. The downside of this argument is that bio-fuels have slightly less energy than regular unleaded petrol so fuel economy figures are not just as good. This means in practice that there is little to separate the standard model from the bio-fuel FlexiFuel S40 when it comes to running costs.

Opting for the FlexiFuel S40 is about seeing the bigger picture. The environmental benefits are considerable with lower CO2 gas emissions and these are long term for us all.

There are other styling changes to the new S40 range. The most notable for the test model was the use of Nordic Light Oak inserts in the dash, door trims and centre console. The wood effect works in the Volvo, there’s a hint of Scandinavian Ikea about it and with the slim console and uncluttered area, and I think that it works well.

Volvo has added some additional safety touches to the new S40. The car’s hazard warning flashers are automatically activated when the airbags are deployed. This helps to attract the attention of other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark, for instance. The brake lights now have the EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) function.

For Irish buyers the bio-fuel choice comes down to the Volvo S40 or its related model the Ford Focus. Both use a similar engine, delivering similar power, but the Volvo is slightly less economical, mainly due to the fact that it’s about 50kg heavier.

Engine power and torque are identical, as is the acceleration pace of 10.3 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race. So where’s the difference?

It comes down to image and price. The Volvo entry price is €25,800, which puts it more expensive than the Focus at €23,335. Both prices are competitive for 1.8 litre petrol type cars as they have a VRT advantage due to their bio-fuel use.

The S40 offers more in terms of style and image. The Focus is a competitive and reliable performer too. Some FlexiFuel car buyers will opt for this engine technology just on cost alone and run it on petrol. The fuel savings advantages from bio-ethanol over petrol are marginal but may improve in the future.

The move to bio-fuel cars in accelerating. The environmental advantages are strong and now Volvo offers a style option in the S40 that’s competitive, packed with Volvo safety features is good to drive and is good for the environment.

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