The compact premium segment has just got a bit tougher in Ireland with the arrival of the new generation S40 and the V50 replacement for the V40.

With the new cars, Volvo now has credible competitors against the likes of the Audi A4 and its Avant derivative, as well as parts of the BMW 3-series range.

Though the outgoing cars sold respectably over the latter part of their 8-year life, they really were past their prime in comparison to the much more modern larger cars in Volvo's line-up.

The new ones draw strongly on the style lines of the S60 series cars, and under the new skin are substantially stronger. Though shorter in both formats than the cars they are replacing, the saloon and wagon both have longer wheelbases and better interior dimensions, especially in width and headroom. The rear profile of the saloon is of coupe proportions, while the overall side view is high-waisted and aimed at providing a sense of security.

Volvo has taken pains to provide a very high quality of interior fitting and finish, and claim stronger seats than 'are usual' in the competition. That, of course, can only be proved in very subjective ways. But there's no question about the quality of the materials in the cabin, and the overall dashboard and controls treatment manages a tricky task of being both substantial and yet airy in feel.

That last is cleverly aided by a smart thin centre stack that has space behind it. I don't see a real practicalty, but definitely it lightens the mood of a part of the car that was traditionally fairly heavy in Volvo style.

Take it as a given that safety stuff abounds. It is to Volvo's eternal credit that they espoused this long before it was either politic or profitable. Now, of course, they have to try and stay ahead, and if you are the type of person who needs reassurance, the new S40 was crash-tested at least 40 times in the company's own facility.

Then there is the detail like the Intelligent Driver Information System. It monitors how the car is being driven, and if it senses that the driver is busy with overtaking or other difficult driving situations, it will delay any potential distractions like the built-in phone from working until everything settles down.

Apart from concern with the occupants' safety, Volvo has also given a fair bit of attention to pedestrian impact problems, with special arrangements ahead of the front bumper, under he bonnet and on the front wings.

And if you happen to live in a part of the world prone to side-window smash and grab, or worse, you can order your new S40 with a similar kind of laminated windows in the doors as you get in the windscreen.

But for most buyers, the new range of engines available with the latest generation compact Volvos are where much interest will be focussed.

The cars' powertrains range at launch include 1.8 and 2.4-litre petrol engines and a 2-litre turbodiesel. From January of next year, 1.6-litre engines will be added to the options, in both petrol and turbodiesel format.

When the complete range is available, the petrol cars will have power outputs of 100bhp, 125bhp, 170bhp and 220bhp. The diesels will output 110bhp and the 136bhp unit at launch. Both diesels are the result of the joint venture development of new diesel engines by Ford and PSA Peugeot-Citroen.

It is noteworthy that the the 1.6 diesel when it arrives will actually be more powerful than the 1.6 petrol, and will punch out 65 per cent more torque. My reckoning is that it will be the best of the bunch at the bottom end.

It you want a top-end tourer, though, the 5-cylinder T5 under the bonnet, with its 220bhp and 320Nm of pulling power will likely leave its 187bhp Audi A4 Avant competitor struggling a little?

When it comes available, we must put them together ...

With everybody snapping at its heels in the safety stakes, Volvo used another of its traditional interests, the environment, to punch its way further ahead.

So the new compact cars get the same things that the larger type ranges have, including the 'Clean Inside and Out' programme which combines a system that provides cleaner air inside than outside the car with an anti-allergy policy in using emissions-free materials.

The 5-cylinder engine even has a system that converts three-quarters of the ozone air pollutant into clean oxygen as it passes through the car's radiator.

I will bring you a full review of the new Volvos in due course. But for the moment you can join a waiting list if you want one. Expect to pay a starting price of €28,500 for the saloon, and €30,300 for the wagon.

And that T5, if you really must want badly to burn an Audi, can take you up to €42,050.