For Has a decent amount of grunt and manages 38mpg – only a couple less than the entry-level 1.6. The bodykit and sports trim fitted to R-Design models will appeal to buyers who like to stand out.

Against The extra punch comes at a price – one which isn’t worth paying over the ample 1.8-litre R-Design models. Plus, the sporty styling won’t appeal to everyone.

Volvo S40 Saloon

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The 2.0 is worth a look if you don’t do many miles, but save yourself bags of cash and go for SE trim. If it’s the R-Design styling you like, go for the 1.8 engine.

What Car? readers say

3.4


Key facts

0–60mph
8.9 secs
Top speed
130 mph
Average mpg
37.2
Tank range
450 miles
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Features

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Size

schematic See all measurements

View the whole Volvo S40 Saloon range

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The full Volvo S40 review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

What you may not realise, perhaps, is that the Volvo S40 is based on the same platform as the Ford Focus. On the positive side, that means you’ll have plenty of fun driving it, but at the same time, the S40 can look like a pretty expensive buy.

Resale values aren’t great, either, so the best way to avoid losing big bucks is to pay as little as you can when buying.

That means going for an entry-level trim and one of the smaller engines, but also getting as big a discount as you can. Our favourite is the 1.6D DRIVe model, with its engine tuned for economy and hybrid-rivalling sub-100g/km CO2 emissions.

Before you buy, make sure you check out the current promotions at volvocars.co.uk. You may find things such as free servicing or competitive finance offers.

Reader test team says:

Volvo S40 Saloon 2.0D SE 4dr

I have owned French, German and Japanese but this is truly one of the best cars I have had. The ride is excellent and fuel consumption is adequate.…

Nick Kutscher

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S40 Saloon 2.0D SE Sport 4dr

This is the first car that I have owned from new (purchased in June 2007) and throughout the current life of the car it has proven very reliable with…

Graham Morecroft

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S40 Saloon 2.0 R-Design Sport 4dr

This car is excellent to drive and I am not sure as to why it is so overlooked. The 2.0D is a wonderful engine, powerful, smooth and a joy to use. The…

Neil Woods

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S40 Saloon 2.0 Sport 4dr

Had the older shape (2005) - nice style, but a bit like driving a tank. I was unfortunate enough to be involved in a head on collision with a car…

Angela Baines

2 out of 5 stars
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