With 100 kW, 320 Nm Peugeot-derived engines, the super-smooth Volvo diesels also come in at very competitive prices.
The S40, winner of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists' Car of the Year Award for 2005, is priced at R240 000 for the luxuriously-equipped 6-speed manual, while the V50 station wagon, also with 6-speed geartbox, costs a mere R10 000 more, or R250 000.
There are no diesel auto versions in the pipeline. We'll give you driving impressions on Friday as Wheels24 managing editor John Oxley is currently on the launch.