Volvo S40 T5 AWD 2006 Review

January and February were Volvo months Down Under. Not only was the phenomenon that is the Volvo Ocean Race turning Aussies on to the exploits of brave sailors and world 24-hour distance records, but the maker was staging a mini sales comeback: up 54 per cent year-to-date.

The impetus for this sales success might have been the high seas hi-jinx but more likely it was one of the most aggressive re-pricing and model alignments since Volkswagen cut the heart out of Passat pricing a few years back.

While the changes were across the Ford-owned marque's passenger car range, the lion's share of the added value hit Volvo's mid-size S40 sedan and V50 wagon pairing. In addition to creating a sub $40,000 entry-level (though well-equipped) new model, the S40 S, Volvo Australia threw the book at its S40/V50 T5 turbo range-toppers. As well as a price decrease of $5000, the silver-tongued sales Svens threw AWD into the bargain.

What's come out the other end priced from $54,950 is arguably one of the most competitively priced and specced Euros available today. Indeed, for the price of a top-line Japanese turbo AWD, we're talking serious refinement, a Euro badge and no shortage of usable performance. That the car is also entertaining to drive is icing on the cake.

We've always been fans of the low-pressure Volvo five-cylinder. With 162kW on tap, the 2.5-litre turbo engine has a lusty midrange -- peak torque is a generous 320Nm from 1500-4800rpm -- and a wonderful offbeat engine note. Coupled with the original front-wheel drive set-up it was a well-sorted package at seven-tenths, though the sporting driver arguably was looking for more.

Now that the rear wheels can join in the fun, AWD fans will wax lyrical about benefit of added security (read: traction) when the road gets slippery, and of course, there's the ability to get a little further up the mountain without chains...

In truth the AWD translates to added agility for the T5. Indeed, in AWD form, the car has a markedly different feel which translates to a more purposeful demeanor. Keen drivers will notice the turn-in seems sharper and the steering just a little more alive (though still too light and over-assisted, Audi-style). When the pace quickens the car is less prone to understeer than the FWD T5.

It's not going to win any drifting comps but it's happier to hold its line and drive away from the apex to the next adventure. More importantly it has a much more wieldy feel to it and seems lighter on its 'feet.'

No, it's no STi, though nor does it purport to be. Think along the lines of a Euro-bred Liberty GT or Mazda MPS instead...

Unlike some other Europeans at this price, it matches or betters the above mentioned cars in terms of equipment as well. No stripper, the T5 gets full leather interior, electric drivers seat (with memory), heated front seats, six-stacker in-dash CD changer, a great 12-speaker Premium sound system and a bigger disc brake package.

Power windows, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, Xenon lamps with washers are also standard. Add to this DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control) and a raft of airbags and all of Volvo's standard myriad safety systems and you might start to appreciate the value offering Volvos put in place.

Our T5 was a six-speed manual, though a five-speed auto is offered as a no cost option. Despite the clutch's lack of feel and a strange high take-up point we'd still specify the manual -- the ratios match the engine's characteristics well and in sixth this thing's a great high-speed cruiser.

Just don't expect to be able to use the sporting ability of the T5 and not pay for it at the pumps. Volvo claims 8.7lt/100km combined fuel economy for the blown S40 -- we couldn't manage better than 10. For some reason -- known to Volvo only, the T5 gets a smaller fuel tank too; down four litres to 58.

Jumping from car to car, we appreciated the intuitiveness of the Volvo's entertainment and climate controls. This is a car that you can throw six CDs into and not have to spend an hour reading the manual on how to get them to play. This is also a car that lets you set your temperature and adjust the fan without having to go into a touch screen menu. No need to take your eyes from the road, the Volvo's controls can be distinguished by feel after just a day or so.

Even the steering wheel mounted buttons need no explanation or downwards glance. Yippee.

Parents will appreciate the 'Data Centre' prompt that confirms all rear seat passengers have fastened their belts. When it comes to leaving the confines of the big smoke they may also appreciate the full-size spare tyre.

What will challenge those with bicycles, large toys, big eskies, kids and the like is the letterbox-like opening of the boot. The S40 has a very high boot floor height: while the boot width and depth is generous given the medium car classification of the S40, the distance between floor and boot lid is not.

Guess that's why Volvo builds the V50 T5 AWD wagon...