2004 Volvo S40 momentum review from Finland

A piece of equipment (electronic compass) had not been fitted when delivered. Dealer obtained one from the factory and installed it. This was due to the extremely & over complicated options packages that cause headache for dealer and client alike.

Driver's door needed rather too much slamming at first, dealer quickly fixed this.

Dealer very good and helpful.

This is the new S40 and is an entirely different car from the previous model-thankfully.

I did extensive test drives and the dealer loaned me a car for a whole day, I was able to see if it would go in my old school garage-just! I did have to wait 10 weeks for delivery, a real bore.

Because I live in Western part of Finland the terrain is flat and the roads' are straight so it was extremely interesting to drive the car in France & the UK, hills and bends. The chassis is excellent and it laps up twisting roads.However, the performance in terms of acceleration 80-120kms is disappointing for a 5 cylinder 170hp car. My previous Nissan 2.0 litre was much livlier, consequently, overtaking requires changing down, The gearbox is too long to wring the best from the engine.

The car cruises effortlessly though, it is extremely quiet at 150kms/hr and is very refined.

The seats are beyond imagination, the comfort is outstanding. I wish my flat and office had chairs like these... long journeys are sublime.

Build and construction are very good quality, tasteful simple design inside with elegance. The ergonomics are NOT what the motoring press would have you believe though, some switches:foglight, rain sensor switch are obscured and awkward.

Heating and ventilation first rate. Turning circle is small so town parking is easy. The clutch is one monster though, a real agricultural horror very stiffly sprung and fierce so stalling is not unknown together with swearing..

Interior storage space preety minimal, door pockets literally holds a condom packet nothing else! Glove box good enough.

Folding electric mirrors a boon in alley parking, the illumination switch from the key fob excellent for finding the car in a dark car park and the panic button which detonates the alarm could be useful in an unpleasant situation...

Headlights rather poor for a Volvo this is odd, changing all the bulbs looks very simple and that's a real advantage.