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The styling is typically Volvo, but with a German'esque' look to it and a familiar Volvo shoulder line. It's clear that Volvo have aimed squarely for the 3-Series, and A4 - Infact the S40 is the Auto Express Compact Executive Champion 2004. Though the new S40 is smaller than it's predecessor, ... Read review
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed - (Man) / 5 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2435 cc - Max Speed: 138 mph - 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: S, SE, SE Sport, Sport
Estate - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 140 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: R-DESIGN, R-DESIGN Premium, SE, SE Lux, SE Lux Premium, SE Premium, S, Sport
Advantages: Low Price for Premium Badge, Styling, Build Quality, Handling Disadvantages: Lack of cubby space, Boot too shallow
...to it and a familiar Volvo shoulder line. It's clear that Volvo have aimed squarely for the 3-Series, and A4 - Infact the S40 is the Auto Express Compact Executive Champion 2004. Though the new S40 is smaller than it's predecessor, the wheel base has grown by 78mm thus giving more space inside, the extra width has given the S40 a more muscular look. Infact a friend described it as a 'S60 that has shrunk in the wash'.
Based on a shared ... ...Safety is synonymous with the Volvo name and needless to say it is superb. The S40 scored a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, and the SE model comes with Dual Stage Driver & Passenger Airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), SIPS Airbags, Inflatable Curtain, Whiplash Protection System for the Front Seats, ABS, EBD and Dynamic Stability & Traction Control ! - Phew !! That's a mouthful !
Having owned this car from new , I can give it a firm thumbs up. The new S40 started life from scratch and carried nothing over from the older, duller S40.
The styling is typically Volvo, but with a German'esque' look to it and a familiar Volvo shoulder line. It's clear that Volvo have aimed squarely for the 3-Series, and A4 - Infact the S40 is the Auto Express Compact Executive Champion 2004. Though the new S40 is smaller than it's predecessor, the wheel base has grown by 78mm thus giving more space inside, the extra width has given the S40 a more muscular look. Infact a friend described it as a 'S60 that has shrunk in the wash'.
Based on a shared platform, the S40 shares it's underpinnings with the New Ford Focus and the Mazda 3, thus it is very good to drive and has superb handling. The steering is direct, crisp and well weighted. The 2.0D comes with a six speed manual gearbox as standard and so offers a very smooth ride, Motorway driving is relaxed and very refined even at speed.
The 2.0D engine has 136 horses on tap and can do 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, though it feels even quicker, as with all diesels torque levels are high and overtaking is a breeze.
Standard equipment is very generous, especially when compared with it's main German rivals. The SE comes equipped with leather upholstery, cruise control, 6 CD-changer, climate control, all round electrics, rain sensor and 17" alloy wheels as standard !
The coup de grace in my opinion is the floating centre console, it looks great in aluminium trim and has a useful storage space behind it.
Build quality is on par with the Germans, the switches are nicely damped, the panel gaps are nice and tight, doors shut with a solid clunk, infact everything feels nicely screwed together.
Safety is synonymous with the Volvo name and needless to say it is superb. The S40 scored a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, and the SE model comes with Dual Stage Driver & Passenger Airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), SIPS Airbags, Inflatable Curtain, Whiplash Protection System for the Front Seats, ABS, EBD and Dynamic Stability & Traction Control ! - Phew !! That's a mouthful !
A neat feature I particurlarly like is the personal attack alarm featured in the key fob, press the red triangular button and the cars alarm blares away deterring any would-be attackers. Also the coming home lights are another neat feature.
So all in all plenty of positives, on the downside however I am disappointed with the lack of storage space in my S40, the front door pockets are very very small, I can just about fit in my PDA and that's it. The glovebox, though deep is yet again too small and the boot is shallow though quite deep.
Summing up, the S40 2.0D SE is a super motor, handsome, excellent value for money and an inexpensive rival to other premium badges.
