USED Volvo S40 Saloon (04 - )

My car

This car has been a huge disappointment both in terms of the car and the Volvo experience.

My car is an S40 2.0 D and has returned between 37 and 38mpg against a claimed 49mpg combined cycle. Most of my driving is over relatively long distances and therefore it is an even poorer comparison. The Volvo dealership and Volvo (UK) have simply replied with blanket statements and defences without trying to address the problem. This has been very disappointing.

Other disappointmnents with the car include the heating controls, which I believe are impossible to use safely whilst driving, the very poor head clearance getting in or out of the car, poor wing mirror demisters and a bus like turning circle.

After only 6 months I will try to sell this car and will not return to Volvo. This is unprecedented in my 20 years of driving.

My car

I have covered 30,000 miles and it is returning above 45mpg on every trip, with my best being 53.9mpg.

The interior is stylish, and the audio is excellent. The one downside is how easily the alloy trim scratches.

My travels take me across the UK and into France and Belgium, and at speeds well above the UK limit the car feels safe comfortable and quiet.

I have had two services with the dealer and, although their customer care is good, they are expensive and their knowledge seems lacking - after my last service, I now have a footwell light permanently on.

I have now had this car for four years and had the choice of several, but feel I made the right choice.

My car

My first impression of the Volvo S40 2.4i is good. It is a typical Volvo with comfort and refinement. The suspension may be firmer than previous Volvos, but it is a trade-off for less roll.

The input from Ford by using the Ford C-Max's platform was really a great idea. It transformed a usually boring Volvo into one that is quite an entertainer. It may still be unable to fight with a BMW 3-Series for handling, but it is enough to give its competitors a run for their money. The safety of the S40 was another thing that attracted me.

Six airbags as standard is really generous, and the high score scored for its side-impact test was an impressive performance. The engine is another selling point, I think. Its 170bhp is really useful when overtaking. The five-cylinder in-line is growly when revved hard, but it sounds nice and sporty.

The front seats are really comfortable and supportive. The steering is lacking a little on feel, but it is accurate enough. Overall build quality of the car is rather good. The 'floating' centre console is an interesting idea. The quality is much better than previous Volvos.

The only complaints I have is the small space at the rear, especially the headroom at the rear; it is miserable. The boot is big but the small aperture makes it inaccessible. Fuel comsumption is also on the high side. Other than these complaints, the Volvo is one of the better cars I have come to own recently. It is a great leap forward for Volvo.

My car

This is a great car! I do long-distance driving and, for a petrol car, the mpg is very good!

I used to have a Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI comfort, it had excellent mpg but the ride was bumpy. I would recommend this car to anyone because it suits all needs.