Volvo S40 (04 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 23 November 2009
This Volvo S40 is a clean break from the model that ran from 1996-2004. Whereas the old car picked up a slightly dowdy image by the end of its life, this model is stylish and well proportioned. It has some unique touches too - especially inside thanks to its clever 'floating' centre console - while the chunky styling gives an air of solidity. It uses the same platform as the Ford Focus so is composed and surefooted on the road - however it lacks the sophistication of some saloons and doesn't feel as agile. It's good value though and comes well equipped for the money while there's a choice of some strong engines including the excellent D5 diesel and T5 that's shared with the Ford Focus ST.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Equipment

All models come with climate control, all-round electric windows, CD stereo and alloy wheels. The SE adds leather upholstery, cruise control, larger alloy wheels, colour-coded body mouldings and a CD multichanger. The SE Lux adds power folding mirrors, headlamp washers, the dynamic chassis system, water repellent glass and electrically adjustable heated leather front seats. The Sport model (later changed to R Design Sport, then from 2009 merely R Design) is midway between SE and SE Lux and gets a bodykit, rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels while the R Design SE Sport is the top of the range model. This features 18-inch alloy wheels plus a sports steering wheel and gearstick.

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Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • CD Multichanger
  • Climate control
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric mirrors
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Headlight washers
  • Heated mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Lumbar support
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Sat Nav
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Space saver spare wheel
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Telephone
  • Traction control
ES S Sport SE Sport SE R DESIGN Sport R DESIGN SE R DESIGN R DESIGN SE Sport R DESIGN Premium R DESIGN Premium SE SE Premium SE Lux SE Lux Premium R DESIGN Edition SE Edition SE Lux Edition
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