Volvo S40 buyer’s guide

FROM £2,000 Compact saloon is great value and has plenty of safety kit

Compact saloon is now great value used from £2,000

THE original Volvo S40 was one of the least inspiring cars of its era. It was built alongside the Mitsubishi Carisma, and while it was safe and comfortable, there was little else to recommend it.

So when an all-new S40 appeared in 2004, Volvo really needed to raise its game, and it’s fair to say that the company rose to the occasion. The new model was stylish, safe and much better to drive, thanks to the fact it shared its platform with the Ford Focus Mk2. While Volvo’s small saloon couldn’t match the Ford’s agility, it came with some strong engines, decent kit and the build quality was typical Volvo. Now you can buy an S40 from just £2,000.

History

THE second-generation S40 debuted in January 2004 alongside the V50 estate, with 1.8, 2.4 or turbocharged 2.5 petrol engines, or a 2.0 diesel. By November 2004 there were also 1.6-litre petrol and diesels. In May 2005, all cars got extra standard equipment, then a year later a 2.0 petrol and 2.4 diesels joined the range, and all cars got yet more kit.

A 1.8-litre biofuel edition appeared in May 2007 as part of a range facelift. Sporty R-design trim appeared in January 2008, and a Powershift dual-clutch auto became an option with the 2.0D 136hp engine. In September 2008, the 118g/km S40 DRIVE debuted with a 1.6-litre diesel engine; emissions were cut to 99g/km in May 2011.

Which one?

THE best engine is the 2.0-litre diesel as it’s torquey and frugal; the 1.6-litre lacks power, while the D5 is thirsty. However, the 2.0D is also the one most likely to give problems, so check the service history.

All S40s come with anti-whiplash head restraints, ESP, daytime running lights and five three-point seatbelts. They also get climate and cruise control, alloys, electric windows front and rear, plus heated and electric door mirrors. The SE adds an autodimming rear view mirror, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, auto wipers and upgraded audio. Sport models get sportier trim, 18-inch wheels and a bodykit. The SE Sport combines the SE’S luxury with the Sport’s more dynamic chassis and styling.

Alternatives

OBVIOUS rivals are compact executives such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class. There are plenty of these around, but values are higher than for the Volvo, which is why the Lexus IS and Honda Accord are worth a look, as you get more for your money – and excellent reliability, too.

If you’re especially keen to buy a saloon, then you could also consider a Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6 or Vauxhall Insignia, although all three are far more common in hatchback form, so you get added practicality without having to pay a premium for it. The closest rival though, in terms of price, design and market positioning is the Volkswagen Jetta, which comes with excellent engines and is good, albeit a bit staid, to drive.

Verdict

WITH the last S40 Mk2s having been built five years ago, you don’t need deep pockets to buy one. On the flipside the S40 is also now dated in many ways, but if you’re looking for a family car that focuses on strength and safety, the Volvo can be a great choice.

The S40’s age means it doesn’t have all of the driver assistance systems of the latest models, but it’s still packed with safety kit and you’ll struggle to find a safer car for the money. Running costs can be high so it’s worth seeking out an independent Volvo specialist, but if you spend £3,000-£4,000 on a low-mileage, high-spec S40, you’ll have an ideal runaround for years to come.

“The S40 Mk2 is stylish, safe and good to drive, because it shares its platform with the Ford Focus”

SOME of the S40’s electrical functions can also go on the blink, so make sure that all of the equipment fitted is working properly.