Used Volvo S40 Saloon 1996 - 2004 review
This versiobn of the Volvo S40 is an average saloon at best and a very long way off the best that Volvo can do
- Volvo S40 Saloon (96 - 04)
What's the used Volvo S40 like?
Perhaps great things should not have been expected from a saloon that began its development under the name 'Nedcar'. Nevertheless, the Volvo S40, part of a joint Volvo/Mitsubishi project - developed in the Netherlands, hence Ned - was designed to take the fight to the BMW 3 Series.
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Pros
- Reasonably stylish
- Well equipped
- Excellent safety kit - for its era
Cons
- Early versions suffered from poor build quality and below-par ride and handling
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Although the interior looks good, build quality certainly wasn't on the first-generation cars. Ride and handling were also poor on launch cars and remained that way for the next four years until Volvo improved the chassis. Although there is a wide range of engines to choose from most aren't that refined.
Perhaps the S40's most attractive feature is its safety, because the S40 scored a (then) maximum four stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. But, on top of that, the cabin and boot are reasonably spacious and Volvo dished out plenty of equipment, even on entry-level models.
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Which used Volvo S40 should I buy?
There is quite a maze of engines and revisions to navigate, but if you want a car that rides and handles well, versions built before autumn 2000 are a no-no. As well as re-worked suspension, models from 2001 onwards also had new bumpers and improved interiors. A further freshen-up followed in April 2002 with a new grille and more equipment.
All models have four airbags, electric front windows and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Air-con was added from September 1998, and we recommend getting an SE model; one built after 1998 will have a CD-player.
As for engines, true petrolheads will doubtless head straight for the fastest engine in the S40, the 200bhp turbocharged T4. But, the trouble is the chassis was never able to cope with it. Instead, we prefer the 160bhp 2.0-litre engine, which is lightly turbocharged and gives decent performance without over-taxing the chassis.
The less powerful 140bhp version is fine, too, as is the 125bhp 1.8-litre GDI. But, give the others a miss: the 1.6 is slow, as is the non-turbo 1.9 diesel; the turbo version is faster, but has poor refinement.
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