These are okay numbers in a vehicle this light (1295 kg for the sedan and 1325 kg for the wagon). With one or two people, either one of these models works just fine on big, straight 4-lane highways or busting along twisty 2-lane back roads.
Things start to go south when you try to get more than two adults into one of these things, since the rear quarters here are cramped in the great tradition of many European cars. If four adults actually get into the car (there is very little room in the backseat) the power-to-weight ratio starts to look bad and you quickly understand the charm of V6s over turbocharged-4s.
Which brings us to the key issue with the Volvo S/V40. Essentially, either one of these models is an okay competitor to a flotilla of worthwhile sedans and wagons in the middle of the market, but it is a little small and a little light on power.
At base sticker it looks like the S/V40 has a fighting chance with these other vehicles, but I would guess that most people would eventually option their units up to somewhere around $35 000 to $38 000, which is a whole other deal.
This is a little pricey, but Volvo is counting on that "premium European" price structure and the feelings of those brand-conscious buyers to carry it through.
Given consumers like my brother, the lawyer, they could be right on the money with their thinking. As for those people who want more real value for money, well there are actually better models to choose from, and for less money.
Things start to go south when you try to get more than two adults into one of these things, since the rear quarters here are cramped in the great tradition of many European cars. If four adults actually get into the car (there is very little room in the backseat) the power-to-weight ratio starts to look bad and you quickly understand the charm of V6s over turbocharged-4s.
Which brings us to the key issue with the Volvo S/V40. Essentially, either one of these models is an okay competitor to a flotilla of worthwhile sedans and wagons in the middle of the market, but it is a little small and a little light on power.
At base sticker it looks like the S/V40 has a fighting chance with these other vehicles, but I would guess that most people would eventually option their units up to somewhere around $35 000 to $38 000, which is a whole other deal.
This is a little pricey, but Volvo is counting on that "premium European" price structure and the feelings of those brand-conscious buyers to carry it through.
Given consumers like my brother, the lawyer, they could be right on the money with their thinking. As for those people who want more real value for money, well there are actually better models to choose from, and for less money.
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