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Car Reviews
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Volvo S40
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Review Summary
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The Volvo S40 is a great car for anyone looking to buy in the compact executive sector. The car offers superb levels of quality and refinement and delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.
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Volvo S40
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Overall BuyYourCar Rating
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Volvo S40 Car Review
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Volvo S40
Volvo has made many recent moves toward losing the image of a manufacturer who produces mainly tough workhorses to a manufacturer of premium modern vehicles. The Volvo S40 is testimony to the company’s dedication on this front. The car boasts improvements in quality and desirability, to create a very competitive product in the compact executive/family saloons sector.
The S40 is slightly shorter than the car it replaces, but offers much more in terms of design, desirability and driving. The car has a classy and clever style and a good level of detailing. The S40 displays an impressive overall look and style.
The Volvo S40 interior design has also been revamped. Volvo has always known how to create very comfortable high-class interiors. Volvo has implemented an impressive 'floating' centre console that links dashboard and transmission tunnel. Behind the console is a large area of space, creating a spacious and comfortable feel.
The S40 feels larger than it actually is, providing high levels of comfort. The car has an excellent build quality and feels like a much more premium class of car. The car provides a lot in such a small package. The company’s attention to detail is obvious.
The S40 delivers a smooth and refined ride. The car performs excellently on long motorway stretches, and the car keeps roll well under control. The car is offered in high-performance T5 guise, but is still not an exciting car to drive. The car is geared more towards comfort and refinement.
The S40 offers so much versatility and practicality that it will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Brits who love the hatchback body-shape may be hesitant to give the S40 a try, but the car is so comforting and soothing that if given the chance it just might win a few hatchback lovers over.
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Practicality
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Life Style
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Security and Safety
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The Finishing Touches
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Overall Rating
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 Practicality
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Volvo S40
The Volvo S40 is expensive when compared to Japanese rivals of the same class but seems to be a bargain when compared to European cars. Fuel economy can be maximized if you should opt for the diesel engine. Insurance rates are low and that will appeal to many buyers.
The Volvo S40 cabin is very spacious and will provide more than enough space for all of the passengers. Neither the front nor the rear passengers should have any complaints on long journeys.
The Volvo S40 gauges are clear and concise. The fascia is uncluttered and the controls are functional as well as practical. The switchgear is of high quality as always, though some may complain as it lacks color and seems a bit dull.
Passengers will be comfortable both up front and in the rear. With plenty of head and legroom, only tall rear passengers will complain. The seats are firm and seem as though they will resist sagging later.
Accessing the cabin is easy, for a saloon that is. The doors open wide, so accessing the cabin is made a bit more simple. Rear passengers will have a bit of a challenge due to the shape of the roof.
Parking the S40 is easy especially as you pull forward into a parking spot. Reversing in requires a bit more skill as rear visibility is reduced so parking sensors might be a good idea.
 Life Style
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Volvo S40
The S40 offers 'Dynamic Chassis' and an enhanced exhaust, the T5 variant offers more power and enthusiasm for hard driving, but even the T5 variant seems like it has to work too hard to deliver a substantial amount of power. The S40 is at its best at cruising speeds.
This isn’t the greatest family car on the market. The car’s interior is better suited for adults than children, and although the car could easily be used as a second car for families who could afford it, it is not a good idea to use the S40 as the family’s primary vehicle.
The Volvo S40 isn't a very practical first car. The initial purchase price is high, and servicing will be high as well. The car will also not likely appeal to a much younger crowd.
The Volvo S40 quality is impeccable, but the company still has a ways to go tocreate the image that they desire. The car may be overlooked by badge snobs, but practical buyers will love the high levels of comfort and refinement that are on hand.
 Security and Safety
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The Volvo S40 comes standard with an alarm system, an engine immobiliser, deadlocks, security tagging of parts and optional laminated side windows to help deter car-jackings.
The Volvo S40 safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, WHIPS and SIPS, traction control and an Intelligent Driver Information System.
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 The Finishing Touches
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The Volvo S40 standard audio system includes a radio/CD, and works well and provides good sound quality. Systems can be upgraded to a 12-speaker unit if desired. Volvo's satellite navigation system ia also worthy of consideration.
The Volvo S40 looks the most flattering in pale pearlescent colours, the harsher metallic colours are offered as cost options but are much less flattering. SE specification include leather interiors and are well worth the additional cost.
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