Overview

Volvo’s efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the modern V40/S40 series, a huge improvement over the uninspired, stodgy old 440/460 series. Compared with the class-leading Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, Volvo still has some way to go, but the S40/V40 is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side. The turbo engines, particularly the T4, have attracted a new wave of younger, fashion-conscious buyers, though Volvo is still not as trendy as its compatriot, Saab.

Some early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a sensible buy, new or secondhand.