Driving Impressions

We've driven all the S40 and V50 models, with the 2.4i normally aspirated engine and with the T5 turbocharged engine. We found the 2.4i models an excellent choice for drivers who want a safe car with excellent driving dynamics but don't demand a lot of power. The T5 adds to this package with better acceleration performance and handling. We were impressed at how well the base 2.4i held its own against the T5. The 2.4i model offers a nice balance of ride and handling. It's smooth and delivers adequate power though not enough for some drivers. Mash the pedal all the way down, though, and it delivers decent acceleration performance. The 2.4i is a modern dual-overhead-cam engine with variable camshaft timing. This model responds well in corners yet soaks up bumps well. The turbocharged engine in the T5 version is wonderfully smooth. Its acceleration is quick and linear, with a broad power curve allowing it to evenly gain speed throughout the rev range. At 80 miles per hour, with the five-speed automatic transmission, it's only loafing along at 2500 rpm, so there's a lot of power to spare. The T5 is comfortable at high speed, very stable and relaxed, something we found on some wide-open California desert roads. The T5 feels ready and eager for spirited driving. This is one small car that can be a great highway cruiser, able to run with BMWs, Mercedes and Audis. It was so stable at high speeds it didn't feel like a front-wheel-drive car. We couldn't have been happier with the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. The upshift from fourth to fifth gear was so smooth that we only knew it was happening by observing the tachometer needle drop. The automatic features a manual shift mode called Geartronic, and in the manual mode, it actually let us control what gear we wanted to be in, without stepping in and overriding our wishes. We drove for a stretch at 30-40 mph over a terrible surface with a lot of big rough patches, and the suspension felt firm but never jarring. We could feel the wheels moving, but it wasn't getting to our hands or the seat of or pants, or the body of the car. We drove up into the mountains over a fast, smooth and winding road, with lots of hard braking and abrupt changing of direction. In that situation the suspension approached its limit and stiffer would have been nice; but that situation was already faster than 95 percent of drivers will take even the T5. The S40 suspension wasn't made for that, as it shouldn't be; if it were, it would have been uncomfortable on the slower and rougher surface. Every suspension has a range, and the S40's range is right on the money. The Dynamic Sport Suspension option has slightly stiffer springs and bushings for sharper handling. We found the ride to be punishing when we drove a V50 with the Dynamic Sport Suspension and 17-inch wheels. With a standard suspension that turns in and hugs the road as well as this one does, it doesn't seem to make sense to pay more for a stiffer, less comfortable ride. The steering is electro-hydraulic with light, distinct and controlled feedback. It feels firm and tight, offering the right amount of resistance. The torque steer normally inherent in front-wheel-drive cars was minimal to the point of insignificance. We used the brakes a lot, and they were strong, smooth and true. The ventilated discs are plenty big for the size of the car, at 11.8 inches front and 10.9 inches rear. We performed a panic stop at 75 mph, and the ABS dragged the car to a stop in a direct and confidence-inspiring manner.

Final Word

The Volvo S40 is a superior small sedan. The body and chassis boasts excellent crashworthiness, and the size is both compact outside and spacious inside. Its smooth exterior lines are distinctive, even unique, and beautiful. There are many good new cars nowadays for $25,000, but if you went down the list comparing features, qualities and components, the Volvo S40 would be difficult to beat. Upgrading to the T5 with its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine puts you into the same levels of performance as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Audi A4. The V50 packages all this into a practical sport wagon. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from California; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia.