Volvo V40 (96-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Volvo's efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab. Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand.
3 out of 5

Other Volvo reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,998 - £25,955

Used price range:

£325 - £4,574

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Still looks good, well built, reliable

Not quite enough boot space, old

Volvo's efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab. Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "With just 109 bhp on offer, the 1.6 can feel underpowered and it feels strained, especially when..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The standard V40 models are well suited to refined cruising; they offer a reassuring driving..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "V40 has supportive and comfortable seats - like so many other Volvos. There should be few complaints..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "V40 manages to mix style and substance - in the shape of a useable load area. It's just the job for..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "The range has a comprehensive equipment list which includes electrically-adjustable and heated door..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "V40 is a good place to be on long motorway trips, thanks to supportive seats and a logically..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Smallest Volvo has the smallest running costs in the range, but still not cheap to own. Resale..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "V40 performs reasonably on the eco front. With an average of 187 g/km CO2 across the model line-up,..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "A four-star Euro NCAP rating is very good for a car of this age. All cars have ABS, seat belt..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "Some build quality niggles on 1996-97 cars but overall a big improvement on the old 400 series;..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    0 out of 5

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "Used prices are easing, particularly for first generation 1996-00 cars; there are lots of fairly low..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Lower-spec models don't sell well. Buyers of newer S40/V40 models tend to want air conditioning and..."

Gallery

  • Interior Volvo V40 (96-04)
  • Exterior Volvo V40 (96-04)
  • Exterior Volvo V40 (96-04)
  • Exterior Volvo V40 (96-04)

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Owners' reviews