Editor’s indecision is final

cedes Benz that did not have the AMG badge, a sporty Merc that was more towards the affordable side of the brand. That is, of course, relative. I certainly cannot afford one.

Here we had a Benz that could take on the Beemer for character.

The V40 is on the more affordable side of Volvo and I believe it certainly is ready to overtake the competition in the premium hatchback class with sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package, as Volvo claims.

“The all-new Volvo V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and chief executive of Volvo Car Corporation.

I believe Jacoby has hit the nail on the head. I drove a number of V40 model derivatives this year and my response was straightforward. If I was in the market for a new car and I could pay the price, I’d be walking into a Volvo showroom.

I can bore you with a lot of technical detail. These two cars have everything that opens, shuts, clicks or dials. Their active and passive safety equipment is nothing short of marvellous. Both these cars have got lovely engines, slick gearboxes, great seats and beautiful interior and exterior designs. They are great to be in and to look at.

But eventually, for me, the clincher was the fact that the two cars gave me that pleasant drive wherever I put the wheels.

I believe that is what buying a car should mainly be about. Yes, price matters. But it should not be all that matters. Computer stuff matters, but it should be the least of it all. Ditto gadgetry. All those things pale in importance in comparison with that subjective little thing called love. You’ve got to love your car. And I loved these two. For the practical of mind, this might be of little help, but I never said this was going to be a consumer advice column. Happy driving.

MUCH MORE: Volvo’s V40 could be described as a five-door hatch and it is one. But it is also so much more than that.