VOLVO’S S40 saloon and V50 estate have been on the market for five years but it only seems like yesterday that the cars launched.
Most are front wheel drive but there are some four wheel drive V50 estates which I remember having great fun with when I drove them on a frozen lake in Lapland a couple of years ago.
Both saloon and estate are good looking from all angles and share their chassis with the latest Mazda3 and Ford Focus - a great starting point.
Handling is safe and sure, safety is right up with the very best and road holding sticky and sporty. However, the ride can be a bit lumpy at times.
Engines range up from a 1.6 petrol with 98bhp to a 2.5 with 220, and diesels go from 110bhp to 177.
Gearboxes are five or six-speed manual or five speed automatic, the clutch is a little on the heavy side in manuals and the power steering is excellent at all speeds.
Interior
Equipment is never lacking even in the cheapest, with climate, CD stereo, alloys and electric windows all round.
The inside is high quality with excellent fit and finish throughout, plenty of style and hip hugging seats.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S40 saloon and V50 Estate
Price: Pay about £10,200 for an ‘07 07-reg S, £15,900 for an '08 58-reg Design Sport
Mechanical: 117bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 111.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 57
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 160g/km
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: VW Jetta