I'M sure Volvo is trying to bamboozle us with the unbelievable number of models in the V40 hatch range.

It seems that instead of having an extras list, they add a couple of things to the next car up and call it a new model.

And how on earth is anyone - including Volvo dealers - able to value them when it comes to trade in time?

This is over the top and surely needs to be rationalised.

All this became obvious when I came to try out the V40 SE Nav - which is, by the way, an excellent Golf-size hatch with much in its favour.

Power in the D3 2.0-litre diesel I drove comes from the company's latest four cylinder engine. Even its largest car - the excellent XC90 4x4 - is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder, with extra electric power available in the top T8.

Here, the diesel version produces a good 150bhp of smooth and quiet power and manages excellent combined economy of 74mpg, with low emissions of just 99 grammes per kilometre.

That is some combination when you consider that it also delivers very good performance both in the standing start sprint and more usefully, through the gears.

Even sixthof six gives decent urge, so that there's rarely any need to change down on the motorway, and fourthgives a real kick in the back for overtaking.

The road-holding is excellent, with strong grip on wet and dry roads and good handling is helped by steering with decent feel.

Comfort however is a problem. It felt as though it had sports suspension and I found it uncomfortable on rougher surfaces in town even though it was much better once on the move.