Sailing feels fast, but you are actually travelling extremely slowly. This is clear back on the road when your senses find 30 mph alarmingly brisk. Volvo sponsors British Sailing and I think one or two of their designers may have become a little too enthusiastic about the experience.
From the moment you set sail in the current S40 there is an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity. The engine is so quiet, the clutch so light. It feels majestic as you cruise up empty motorways in the cosseting Volvo seats.
Because this car has a macho 2.5 litre petrol engine up front, you can pull out through quite small gaps to get across busy carriageways very easily. You can hear – if only for a few seconds- a reassuringly gutsy engine note. But once up to cruising speed or sitting in a traffic queue you are back to a sense of silently floating.
The floating sensation is most apparent on a sweeping A-road. The steering feel and chassis poise discourage rapid or aggressive steering inputs; this car passes smoothly through all bends in its own good time and you will not hussle it. Provided you are not in a hurry, it is a stress-free zone.
The dashboard and controls are the most elegant and efficient of any current car. The centre console is just one smooth curve of brushed metal. In absolute contrast to German and Japanese controls, there is not one unnecessary button or switch. It is a demonstration of how very intelligent and thoughtful design can make things simple. Despite having a minimalist look the controls were easy to understand and achieved all the same tricks other cars need twice the buttons or a mind-boggling digital menu for.
So with nothing to distract you inside, the driver is left to concentrate on the road. On a motorway this is not too taxing because everyone assumes that an S40 in sports trim is a ‘plane-clothed Police car.’ So rather than risk a ticket, they promptly move out of the way to let you through. It’s worth the £21,645.00 just for that if you ask me. As long as you keep the car gleaming like a Police patrol, you’ll never be late for dinner again.
If you are on a tight b-road or bordering on lost and suddenly see a left turn you need to take, the car gives the impression of turning-in a bit like a boat. There were at least two occasions when I thought I was going to continue along the main road rather than down the side street. In fairness, whilst I had that moment of doubt, the car never let me down. It turned in every time and without a hint of wheel screech or drama. So it is not fair to say that the car doesn’t handle well; it just doesn’t give the impression that it is going to handle well.It rolls a little bit, but only when you are being aggressive.
If you are a parent you will love the boot in this car as it competes with the Volkswagen Jetta for capacity. But you may want to specify a darker interior than the lovely cream hide in the test car. The cream leather, with the brushed metal and subtle design, makes you feel like you are in a modern home. It is really very appealing. But if you have little people climbing around in the back and unwrapping endless Opal Fruits then you will want to go for a darker trim which might take away from the car’s airy design.
The only thing that really confused me is why Volvo bothered fitting a headlight switch. It has sensors that turn the lights on when dark and the sidelights, in best Volvo tradition, are always on. So I found that no matter which of the three settings I chose, the lights were always shining.
If that’s all I can find to moan about, you can tell it’s a good car
Summary
This is not a car for someone looking to thrash along country roads. This is a car for grown-ups who have calmed down. It is ideal for someone with a long commute or who has to drive in and out of cities regularly. Performance-wise, there are a variety of engines so you can take your pick of pace or economy.
It feels well proportioned for parking and traffic; not bloated like some of its competitors. If you are not looking for handling I would choose this over the BMW or Audi family saloon choices. The airy, high quality interior is just a lovely place to be. You will arrive home after work a much more smiley individual.
In choosing a Volvo you are separating yourself from the crowd, so the neighbours may well be impressed by your independent style.
Road Test Car Details:
Volvo S40 T5 Sport
Engine: 2521cc
0-60: 6.3 secs
MPG: 32.5
Words Matthew Tumbridge