Wholesome Fun
Volvo's S40 T-5 is an oxymoron. It is a high performance, turbocharged, all wheel drive, sedan from a company that prides itself on station wagons and safety innovations. It is loaded with standard equipment and yet is the company's price leader. It is a five-passenger sedan and yet there isn't enough cargo room to carry their luggage. It looks like a Volvo and acts like a BMW.
We have owned Volvos for many years and find them quality machines, but they're a bit drab to look at and the cost of maintenance was dear. That was then, this is now. Volvo pays the factory-scheduled maintenance for the length of the four-years/50,000 miles warranty. And, the new S40 is downright cute. Better still, there is more power under the hood with your choice of a turbocharged 218 horsepower five cylinder or a 168-horse naturally aspirated power plant. Add to this the longer wheelbase, available all wheel drive, and excellent safety features and you have a truly modern Volvo for a base of about $24,000 (US).
This is an impressive nip and tuck sedan fully capable of giving aid and comfort to its inhabitants while coddling them with curtain and side-impact airbags, ABS, brake monitoring, and chassis and body crumble zones. The six speed manual transmission does its work well, although we like the automatic more in congested driving. Parking is easy, but the small rear view mirrors hinder visibility.
There is no reason that the S40 cannot keep up with cars costing twice as much. The downside is that the options can add to the bottom line quickly so make sure and research what you want before testing this able vehicle. The five- speed automatic transmission and the base engine are more than adequate for most drivers, but if you want the Premium option package that includes leather upholstery, power moonroof, electronic climate control and power seats you are looking at $2000 or more. The premium sound system and the sports package adds another $1500 or so to the total. The turbocharged model, and again, this engine runs on premium fuel, is a bargain at about $27,000. Not only do you get the extra ponies, but a lot of additional features including available all wheel drive. On the other hand the competition is stout. The Audi, Subaru Legacy, and even the Ford Five Hundred are offering sedans with all wheel drive that are priced in the Volvo's range. See http://www.nada.com
Mom's view: So cuddly. The interior is modern and chic at the same time. The seats are exceptionally comfortable. Although this is not a sports car, it feels that way with a suspension and braking on a par with anything we've tested in a while. I would opt for the five-speed automatic unless I ordered the turbocharged T5 version where the standard six speed manual transmission enables you to better keep the engine under your control. The main competition for the all wheel drive version would be the Subaru Legacy GT. Both cars cost about the same, but the Subaru is much faster and roomier while the Volvo is more elegant, stops better, and has a keener look. Personally, I think the Subaru is easier to get in and out of and the small trunk opening on the Volvo means that you are frequently forced to use the rear seat fold down feature to store long items. Rear seat room is also quite limited. Personally, I would order the Volvo V50 wagon and just accept the fact it wasn't as slinky looking as the S40. Both our very solid feeling cars with plenty of energy and have acceptable fuel mileage.
There were some cavets that need attention. The main dials on the gauges have numbers that are quite slim and in bright sunlight difficult to read. The center console is difficult to use as it sits fairly far back. I also found that the dead pedal was placed too close to me making it a problem finding an ideal position despite the highly adjustable steering wheel and the multiple adjustable seats. I think that people with long legs need to spend a while testing this model to see if they feel comfortable.
Volvo's S40 T-5 is an oxymoron. It is a high performance, turbocharged, all wheel drive, sedan from a company that prides itself on station wagons and safety innovations. It is loaded with standard equipment and yet is the company's price leader. It is a five-passenger sedan and yet there isn't enough cargo room to carry their luggage. It looks like a Volvo and acts like a BMW.
We have owned Volvos for many years and find them quality machines, but they're a bit drab to look at and the cost of maintenance was dear. That was then, this is now. Volvo pays the factory-scheduled maintenance for the length of the four-years/50,000 miles warranty. And, the new S40 is downright cute. Better still, there is more power under the hood with your choice of a turbocharged 218 horsepower five cylinder or a 168-horse naturally aspirated power plant. Add to this the longer wheelbase, available all wheel drive, and excellent safety features and you have a truly modern Volvo for a base of about $24,000 (US).
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There is no reason that the S40 cannot keep up with cars costing twice as much. The downside is that the options can add to the bottom line quickly so make sure and research what you want before testing this able vehicle. The five- speed automatic transmission and the base engine are more than adequate for most drivers, but if you want the Premium option package that includes leather upholstery, power moonroof, electronic climate control and power seats you are looking at $2000 or more. The premium sound system and the sports package adds another $1500 or so to the total. The turbocharged model, and again, this engine runs on premium fuel, is a bargain at about $27,000. Not only do you get the extra ponies, but a lot of additional features including available all wheel drive. On the other hand the competition is stout. The Audi, Subaru Legacy, and even the Ford Five Hundred are offering sedans with all wheel drive that are priced in the Volvo's range. See http://www.nada.com
Mom's view: So cuddly. The interior is modern and chic at the same time. The seats are exceptionally comfortable. Although this is not a sports car, it feels that way with a suspension and braking on a par with anything we've tested in a while. I would opt for the five-speed automatic unless I ordered the turbocharged T5 version where the standard six speed manual transmission enables you to better keep the engine under your control. The main competition for the all wheel drive version would be the Subaru Legacy GT. Both cars cost about the same, but the Subaru is much faster and roomier while the Volvo is more elegant, stops better, and has a keener look. Personally, I think the Subaru is easier to get in and out of and the small trunk opening on the Volvo means that you are frequently forced to use the rear seat fold down feature to store long items. Rear seat room is also quite limited. Personally, I would order the Volvo V50 wagon and just accept the fact it wasn't as slinky looking as the S40. Both our very solid feeling cars with plenty of energy and have acceptable fuel mileage.
There were some cavets that need attention. The main dials on the gauges have numbers that are quite slim and in bright sunlight difficult to read. The center console is difficult to use as it sits fairly far back. I also found that the dead pedal was placed too close to me making it a problem finding an ideal position despite the highly adjustable steering wheel and the multiple adjustable seats. I think that people with long legs need to spend a while testing this model to see if they feel comfortable.