Volvo V40 1.8

After looking for a vehicle for some time to cater for my expanding family (3 children and wife). i wanted something safe and reliable and something i haven't had before. After doing alot of searching for v40's i finally found one over 130 miles away!! i went to view and purchased it.

V40's came in a variety of models and engine sizes the one i bought was a CD model. This included Leather, wood trim, x4 e/w, s/r, heated seats, sports supension. With each model, with differnt trim levels and added extras, its difficult to choose which model is best suited for you.

Space wise the V40 has ample, easily seating 2 children and car seat in the rear with plenty of space spare. The rear can hold more than it looks and even more when the seat are folded down (can confirm that). The toys inside are ample with x4 electic windows, sunroof, security locking, heated wing mirrors/seats, cd player with 6 speakers (very good quailty sound too) and trip computer.
if i could have added anything more it would have been the front heated windowscreen as this seems the only heated thing missing.

The vehicle drives straight and true and feels very secure and responsive on the road and motorway driving is a real pleasure in this car, with its inviting seating and headrests. Even tho with the 1.8 engine the car does lack that extra punch when you need it due to its weight disadvantage. This doesn't take much away from the engine with Volvo's easily doing 200k plus and still going strong (mine is now 185k) if well maintained.

Problem wise theres not much that goes wrong if looked after, apart from wear and tear of things that get over 10 years old. A coilpack has been replaced and the rear and middile exhaust (this i knew would need replacing eventually when bought it) and a new battery. On the whole i have been very impressed with its reliablity and for its bodywork condition.

In summary, the V40 is a great safe family car with the ability to carry more than a saloon version. The 1.6/1.8 versions seem to lack the power of there bigger brothers. I would recomend the T4 version for power but not for the insurance. With options abound it pays to be picky when buying, as the options lists go on and on. Replacing parts can be expensive at maindealers.

i still own the volvo and am not looking to change it just yet and would definantly consider another Volvo again.