This car is far more rigid than the model it replaced and the front is made from four grades of steel for improved crash performance. No surprise then that it gained a top five-star Euro NCAP rating – the safety association praising the S40 for its very strong and stable passenger safety cage. All cars get driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS and traction control while security consists of an immobiliser and unique-fit stereo.

However, it wasn’t until late 2007 that all cars came with Isofix child seat anchor points as standard.

Boot capacity isn’t as generous as you’d expect of a car of this size, but the S40 will still handle a couple of suitcases. The V50 is essentially the estate version of the S40 and may bet a better bet if you need more room. Storage in the front could be better – the door pockets are very narrow on cars built before September 2007 and only slightly improved after that.

Although the ‘floating’ centre console is a neat styling touch it does limit the amount of useful and accessible cubby holes in the S40.