• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I like comfort with a sporty edge

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Love it - love the looks and practicality, even teenage lads look at it - had some positive thumbs up in queing traffic!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    yes, seen complaints on here that the powershift ruins the fuel economy........total garbage, i've had two S40 Sport Manuals before this one and the best i got out of those was 49.2 MPG - with the semi-auto im getting 46.8 MPG which for an auto is superb after 9K miles. can't recommend this car more highly

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Another S40 R-Design or a V50 R-Design 2.0D - same car but sligtly more practical and possibly even better looking

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £20,000

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    yes, good discount without to much haggling

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Volvo practicality with diesel auto economy & oozes style in R-Design Trim

    What was the dealer like?

    excellent - couldn't do enough for me and aftersales continue the trend

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    excellent - great dynamics and road manners, the R-Design spec improves the handling, but the optional 18" alloys can follow cambers so for comfort go for the 17" alloys. Powershift semi-auto box offers the best of both worlds

    What's it like to park?

    easy - spoiler gives you a guide and curvy front makes getting out of tight spots simple

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    SRS airbag light came on but rectified under warranty, other than no issues

    What's most practical about your car?

    massive boot considering the length of the bootlid

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    powershift gearbox and Factory fit Bluetooth handsfree is excellent - a must have item considering current legislation and easy to use