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Blink and you might not notice it, but the Volvo S40 (sedan) and V50 (wagon) are getting a minor makeover. Due in New Zealand in October, the facelifted compact-executive cars carry different frontal styling and improved interior storage.
The painfully subtle styling tweaks are aimed at differentiating the sedan and wagon models from each other more clearly, says Volvo.
The S40 four-door picks up some of the visual style of the flagship S80, with a new grille featuring an upsized "iron mark" emblem, new headlights and a larger air intake.
The V50 five-door moves to a black "egg crate" grille and three sculpted lower air intakes.
The lower part of the tail-lamp panel on both the S40 and V50 is 30mm higher than before - and the lamps themselves have a new graphic layout.
Volvo has moved to address criticism of the lack of interior storage space in their entry-level model.
The lower part of the front-door inside panel has been redesigned. The audio system speakers were reshaped to free up space for a larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drinks can or a water bottle lying down.
Space was also created for an extra Dynaudio loudspeaker, to go with the premium sound package.
