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There is a newer version of this car Read the latest Volvo S40 (04-12) review here

Volvo S40 Saloon review

1996 - 2004 (change model)
Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £13,853 - £25,055
Road tax cost £210 - £415
Insurance group 17 - 34
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 238 - 686 miles
View full specs for a specific version

Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Alternative fuel

Pros & cons

PROS

Wide choice of specs, safe, refined, comfortable

CONS

Pricey and dated

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

The Volvo S40/V40 saloons and estates are often passed over because of their conservative looks and less than exciting drive. But they can be great used buys: comfortable, very safe, with a wide choice of specification. while its image may fall short of Audi A4, BMW 3-Series or VW Passat, S40/V40 makes a convincing case as a classier alternative to Vectra and Mondeo.

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 secondhand buy.