Volvo S40 Saloon 2004 - Present

Volvo have focussed their attention on quality and refinement over the last six years and the S40 is the jewel in the Swedish carmakers crown. Sharing the excellent underpinnings of the Ford Focus and Mazda3, the S40 offers an excellent layout and a great driving experience.

The shape is unmistakably that of a Volvo, it's compact and beautifully finished. The interior of the car reflects it's compact exterior. Leg room can be a little cramped for adults in the back if the front passengers are not considerate and the shoulder and head room are a little tight. The seats are extremely comfortable and make the best of the compact space.

The S40 shares the sophisticated suspension set-up, which means that bumpy roads are expertly smoothed out, while retaining a sporty drive. Corners are taken with loads of grip and minimal bodyroll. The suspension offers a great balance of comfort and poise. The S40 offers a great set up to adjust from corner to corner with no confidence. The steering is a little too well assisted to give the best level of feel and sensation but it's good nonetheless. While good on the open road and on twisting country lanes the S40 is also a great cruiser, so motorway miles can be accumulated with ease.

The S40 range kicks off with the 1.6, 100bhp engine, which isn't really up to the job. It's a disappointment whenever you take it out looking for the sort of performance that the S40 promises when sitting in the comfortable driver's seat. Moving up the range the 1.8L offers more punch under your right foot, while still returning 38 mpg. The 2.0L model will reach 60 mph in 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph, and it does so with the same level of economy. The fastest of the pack is the T5, which will reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and top out at 149mph. There are an impressive number of oil burners the pick of which is the 2.4 turbo diesel, which will reach 140 mph at the top and 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while still giving back 45 mpg. The power and pull of the diesel engines offer an easy, satisfying drive, with power on tap throughout the rev range.

Volvo, throughout their range offer really good alternatives to the cars perceived as the best in class and the S40 really embodies this. It is exquisitely finished and offers it's owner an engaging and efficient drive every time they take it out.

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