TO CELEBRATE the start of the next, round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race in November and its official UK stopover this time next year in Portsmouth, Volvo is introducing special Volvo Ocean Race editions of the XC90, XC70 and V70.

The Volvo Ocean Race models will be the official cars of the race at each of the nine stopover ports around the world and available globally for customers from now until the end of the race next summer.

A unique ocean blue pearlescent paint immediately differentiates the Volvo Ocean Race edition from the standard models. Their appearance is enhanced with "Electric Silver" coloured side door mouldings, brushed aluminium roof rails, and special Volvo Ocean Race badges, key ring and tread plates on the door sills. The XC90 version has body coloured door handles and mirrors, while the XC70 gains larger 17inch alloy wheels.

Naturally, the interiors are also distinctive, with special Ocean Blue aluminium inlays, plus floor mats with co-ordinating blue piping. They also have unique upholstery with blue stitching inspired from the world of sailing; the V70's upholstery has a tactile "T-Tec" material, while the XC70 has a mixture of leather and textile, with full leather upholstery for the XC90.

Every model offers a choice of Volvo's powerful, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, including the new D5 turbo-diesel with 185bhp.

The Volvo Ocean Race editions represent excellent value with on-the-road prices starting at £34,735 for the XC90, £30,593 for the XC70 and £27,648 for the V70, which are just £1,000, £1,050 and £700 respectively above the equivalent standard models.

Volvo also offers special styling extras available to customise the Volvo Ocean Race Edition cars, including silver cross bars for the roof rails, sunglasses holder and mudflaps, plus aluminium side scuff plate for the XC70 and aluminium running boards for the XC90. In addition, front and rear park assist are available, plus the usual array of options to enhance standard specifications.