The base version S40 reviewed here came equipped with virtually every available option to bump it into the price range for this group. That's a good start, bringing the car in very well-equipped for a commendably-low price. But a car that excels only for its price would not have been able to edge out all of the fourteen solid cars that this vehicle has. The S40 is also nimble, comfortable (at least for front seat occupants), and fuel-efficient. And despite its mediocrity in some areas, it comes off as unacceptable in none, especially for the price. The base engine does not provide for impressive or quiet acceleration, the rear seat is somewhat cramped, and the Sport Package equipped on the vehicle reviewed here brought a rather stiff ride. But overall, this is a solid premium car that comes in close to $10,000 less than a comparably-equipped BMW 325i. And while it lacks that car's handling precision and has a more-noticeable ride deficit, it is a very good car for that price.

        As noted, this Sport Package-equipped S40 has a rather stiff ride. Though it is comfortable enough on smooth pavement, even small road imperfections make for a busy feel, and larger bumps are clearly felt. The car is at least quite nimble, with very well-controlled body roll and quick and communicative (though too light) steering. The base 2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine is does not provide responsive acceleration, disappointing in this price range. Nor is it smooth or quiet, sounding more like an economy car than a luxury one under hard acceleration. Wind noise is well-suppressed, but the available run-flat tires add to road noise. The small engine, coupled with the S40's light weight, brings back impressive fuel economy by this group's standards.

       Inside, the S40 has firm, well-shaped, supportive, and very comfortable front seats, with surprising leg and headroom, even with the optional sunroof. The rear is less impressive, with very little legroom. The well-shaped seat and impressive foot space under the front seats allows for more comfort that the rear's dimensions and appearance suggest, however. The interior uses mostly high-quality materials, and all trim pieces fit together very well, though some plastics on the dash above the center stack feel flimsy. The instrument panel is tall and narrow, clumping a dozen buttons close together, though at least most are clearly labeled. The gauges are legible as well. Drivers sit very comfortably, but rearward visibility is partially obstructed by the large rear head restraints. Small footwells and rather small doors complicate entry/exit, especially to the rear. The S40's trunk is roomy and well-shaped, despite its petite exterior dimensions.

        The S40 did very well in crash testing, but did not stand out in the way that the Volvo name would suggest. It earned a Best Pick rating in its IIHS offset crash test, and an Acceptable rating in its IIHS side crash test. In NHTSA crash testing, the S40 earned four stars for the driver and five for the front passenger for frontal-impact protection, and five stars for both the driver and for the rear passenger in the side crash test.

      The S40 2.4i reviewed here came extremely well- equipped, coming in with essentially every option included while still coming in only $244 above the minimum price to be included in this group. The $29,244 buys you heated leather seats, a sunroof, a navigation system, side airbags protecting the head and torso, traction and stability control, a 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, and virtually all other options expected from the best in this group, aside from a lack of a power passenger seat.

        Overall, the S40 is a fun-to-drive car whose demerits of ride comfort, refinement, and interior space are worth overlooking when the excellent pricing is considered. A good car overall with commendable pricing, it's hard to go wrong there. But the T5 version of the S40 (also reviewed here; it placed higher) represents more car for not much more money, and is a better choice, especially for consumers unhappy with the 2.4i's lack of power.

Pros:

-Agility

-Fuel Economy

-Features for the Money

-Safety Ratings

Cons:

-Ride Comfort

-Rear Seat Space

-Acceleration

-Refinement

Overall:

An inexpensive and fun premium compact.

Version Reviewed:

2.4i

Price of Version Reviewed:

$29,244

Powertrain:

2.4-liter I5