Depreciation on the S40 is about the same as for the Volkswagen Jetta – petrol models are expected to retain just under one third of their value at three years/30,000 miles, while diesel versions are worth just over one third of the original price. Diesel running costs are modest – particularly the 1.6-litre and especially the DRIVe versions launched in 2009.

Servicing at Volvo dealers isn’t particularly cheap, but there are a few independent specialists to choose from.

The ‘greenest’ models in the S40 range use the 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. Before 2009, these had CO2 emissions of 129g/km, but modifications for the low-emission DRIVe range brought them below 120g/km and from summer 2009 with the optional stop-start – which cuts the engine when idling in traffic and restarts when pressing the clutch to engage a gear – reached 104g/km.

Very impressive for a car of this size.

While Volvo has a good reputation for reliability and build quality, there have been numerous recalls for the S40 including potential problems with braking and the fuel pump. We’ve heard from several owners with problem cars (mostly earlier models) too, although many S40 owners have experienced trouble-free ownership.