WHO would have thought it - a time when 1.5 and 1.6-litre turbo diesels became fun to drive.

Well, it's here now, believe me. I've just been driving the Volvo C30 coupe with a 1.6 diesel and stop/start and it's a lovely car to drive.

Of course, it is not hugely quick, but a 0-60mph time of just over ten seconds will certainly do me - especially when the Combined fuel economy figure is 74 miles per gallon.

That actually equates to 52mpg out on the road so although it's not brilliant, it's still not to be sniffed at.

The C30 feels solidly built and stable in all situations, with very little roll, a decently comfortable ride above slow town speeds, and excellent road holding and handling with lovely balance.

Of course, it has all Volvo's legendary safety built in and perhaps the main drawback concerns the long doors in tight parking spaces.

In SE trim, the C30 comes with cruise control, electric heated mirrors, climate control, alloys, 50/50 split-fold rear seat, traction control and rear parking sensors.