If you need to cover long distances quickly and in comfort then it would be hard to beat the S40 in 2.0t guise. My late 98 car has had a couple of glitches which were rectified under warranty. Noisy suspension bushes which were redesigned on the 99 model were replaced and Volvo recalled me to replace pipework to the oil cooler - something that only effects the turbo models. More surprisingly some 2.0t and more potent T4 also had ECU problems. In my case this manifested itself in a sudden surge of power at about 2,000 rpm and then the power levelled off quickly - sometimes embarassing me when overtaking. Volvo replaced the ECU and the difference was startling. I don't want to be negative about this car because it is very impressive. 160bhp and more importantly 169 lb ft of torque from only 1800rpm mean quick progress and easy overtaking without having to resort to the gearbox. Turbo lag is unnoticable but that turbo does whine a little if you are driving with the window open. Brakes are impressive, anti-lock and EBD as standard. The car is practical, seatcovers can be removed and washed and the boot is large with cargo belts, elastic netting and a couple of extremely useful storage bins. There are numerous cubbyholes in the cabin to store things but many of these are to small to be really useful. Also, as a front passenger it is virtually impossible to read the digital clock! But those seats are A1 and the drivers seat base can raised and lowered at the front - so long distance driving is not a pain.
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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
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 143 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: S, SE, SE Lux, SE Sport, Sport
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
Aug 5th, 2000
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