IF you're in the market for a Swedish beauty, you'd be mad not to book a date with local Volvo dealer Alan Gibson.

The firm, based in London Road, is having a spring clear out of its S40 and V40 models in preperation for the arrival of the replacement models due to arrive soon.

If you don't mind taking a big hit in depreciation - which the old models will undoubtedly suffer because of the arrival of all-new machines - then you could save hundreds on the price of a "new" car.

The outgoing S40 and V40 will be badged "Classic" and will still be in production until June. And the good news is prices have been slashed by nearly £1,000 with the range now starting at £13,998 and £14,998 respectively.

Buyers will be pleased to hear that the Classics have a wider choice of engine than than the new machine at present. The line-up includes a 1.8-litre petrol unit, which is not available in either the revised S40 saloon or freshly-named V50.

The Classic models are available in S, Sport and SE specifications, with choices of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol powerplants, or a 1.9 turbo-diesel variant.

SE derivatives have been reduced by around £1,000, and are now priced the same as Sport models, which have had electronic climate control and gas discharge headlamps added to the specification - worth £1,400.

The S model comes with leather upholstery, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, 15-inch alloy wheels, premium audio with CD player, and electric windows.

The Sport adds front and rear spoilers, 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminium inlays and an information centre. The SE adds an electric adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and wood- effect trim.

The new model in the S60 (pictured bottom-left above) and V70 ranges is the Sport. Fitting between S and SE variants, the new Sport includes attractive additional exterior and interior features, including unique 17-inch "Sentinal" nine-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured rear boot spoiler (S60) or tailgate spoiler (V70), sports upholstery, black mesh aluminium inlays and front fog lights.

A sports chassis is already standard on S60 models, but the V70 Sport gains a lowered set-up with load-compensating suspen-sion. A stylish, new "Titanium-Line" paint finish was recently introduced exclusively for the Volvo V70 range.

The model (main picture above) adds painted silver bumper inserts, silver side rubbing strips and silver aluminium roof rails to contrast with the metallic Titanium paint, and is available for £750.

For further details on the models, call Alan Gibson Volvo on 01256 466111.