2001 Volvo S40 2.0 SE 2.0 140bhp from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
An average performer
Faults:
Rattle at tailgate when just got the car, but fixed by dealer after a couple of visits.
Driver window rattle, it is still being looked into by the dealer.
General Comments:
The shape of the car is classy, modern, but not really sporty, even with the rear spoiler. The plastic moldings are not painted on my model, so they look a bit bland. Apart from that, the car looks good.
The interior is comfortable with beige leather seats, arm rest, and door trims. The SE pack I got also added woodgrain trim on the doors and the gearbox surround. The seats are very very comfortable, especially on long trips. However, the cabin is a bit cramped to fit people in. The rear passenger has limited knee room and leg room, while the driver and front passenger gets all the comfy stuff.
Performance-wise, it's no fire breather. It's only adequate to commute around town, with only 100kw (about 140hp) and 190nm, it's hardly powerful. The gearbox is also a bit weird. Sometimes keen on kick-downs, but when you go around the same corner at other times, it gets lazy and sluggish.
The manual is much better with a better shift feel and ease to shift, however I am the only one in the family who can drive a manual... and it's the family car.
When cornering, the turn-in is satisfactory, the response is good. But when you really push on, there is a bit of under-steer, but not bad enough to spoil the drive. The front-end does not grip as well as the '94 Accord I used to have, but the rear end is much more predictable. And with a timed jab on the brakes, you can get over-steer!!
Overall, the car is good for those who are just commuting around town, and sometimes want to go around corner a bit quicker. It's better as the driver's own car, than a family car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st September, 2002
17th Aug 2003, 15:16
Well, Performance is really good - yes it IS a quick car - comfort - is a point I would dispute - despite the seats 'adjustability' they simply AREN'T sports seats - - fuel economy - reasonable - 31mpg driven fairly hard - all-in-all - The Jury's out - My wife has a V5 Golf - much more comfortable - but it simply doesn't have the Turbo grunt!... Hmmm VALUE, now that's hard... I like it... all in all - but I have serious misgivings about the residuals- go for a Golf R32!