Top Gear reports that Volvo are due to launch a new turbo deisel engine for the V50 next June - I didn’t realise there was that much of a waiting list on Volvos. That’s so far in advance it’s practically concept.

"The Volvo V50 is set to gain a potent new 180bhp turbodiesel engine.

The five-cylinder unit has 258lb ft of torque to help it move from rest to 62mph in 8.8 seconds when attached to Volvo’s Geartronic automatic gearbox. "

I’m a big fan of modern Volvos, and though many consider them still to be a bit boxy, I prefer descriptions like tank-like and bombproof. A deisel with that kind of speed might be worth looking at though - especially if you have a family and need to cut down on those school-run fuel bills a bit.