Volvo S40 S 2006 Review

7-day Test

For years Volvo has battled against the tide of memory -- the memory of slab-sided sedans, less-than-sporty performance and terry towelling hats.

The Swedish brand has pulled out all the stops in more recent times to update their image with everything from their 'Bloody Volvo Driver' ad campaign to sleek new styling. And it's worked. No longer just the transport of aging university professors Volvo has set its sights on young professionals with some success.

A key to gaining a foothold in the younger market sector has been some keenly-priced, capable cars. The S40 S is Volvo's new 'entry level' base model after some recent repositioning of the Volvo brand Down Under and is important to gaining new customers.

At $39,950 the S40 S is $8000 cheaper than the auto-equipped S40 2.4i that preceded it. You can't complain about that.

The styling of modern Volvos certainly has broken the shackles of the boxy designs many of us grew up with. Its curvy surfaces are pleasing on the eye -- sexy even. The swooping roofline gives the car a coupe profile at 20 paces and the rear has look all its own.

Inside, the S40 S misses out on leather seats, steering wheel and gear knob cover but otherwise it's well equipped. We especially liked the steering wheel controls for audio and the easy-to-use cruise control.

The interior styling is modern, well planned and ergonomically sensible but the driver's foot well is cramped and with that swoopy roof line rear head room is not exactly class leading. The boot too falls some way short of being cavernous.

Safety goes without saying though -- the S40 S is an NCAP five-star winner with more airbags and electronic safety gizmos than you can poke a stick at.

The 125kW/230Nm 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine has good low-down torque and is flexible enough for most situations but if the car is loaded up with passengers it can be a tad asthmatic and the five-speed auto changes down aggressively in a bid to gain the required revs to clear steep hills. Auto is standard with five-speed manual a no-cost option.  Note that Volvo Australia says manuals make up only five percent of local deliveries so resale could be a problem if you go down that route.

The S40 S has good balance, precise steering and adequate grip with modest body roll. It's a comfortable cruiser and a refined drive on all but the choppiest of roads. A small family wanting to make a style statement will find a lot to like about the 'entry level' Swede.

The S40 S is easy on the eye and even easier on the wallet. It's sure to win friends -- and plenty of customers too.