Top offering from Volvo

Specs T5 2.5 litre turbo $59, 950 0-100 km/h 6.9 seconds Average economy on test 8.8 litres/100 km Airbags/ABS Six/Yes Warranty Three years/unlimited km

The last Volvo I road tested for this column was about as exciting as a Datsun Bluebird on antidepressants. So the pulse was not racing when I was offered the latest model off the production line, an S40 T5. Built in Belgium on the same floor pan as the Mazda 3, the T5 is powered by a 2.5 litre, in line, five-cylinder engine and boosted by a low-pressure turbo. Well, we’ve all heard the ad “Don’t you wish you were a Volvo driver”. Frankly, I think the ad has well and truly reached by its use-by date. But with an open mind I checked out the S40. Firstly, the key is on the left of the instruments and as I glanced around the cockpit, it was obvious the Swedish designers had gone for the minimalist approach. But from the first crank of the burbly five-cylinder engine the S40 T5 is an outstanding car.

Comfort/goodies

The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and rake and, with electric adjustment in the front seats, a very comfortable driving position is achievable. The T5 has leather as standard, mine was a “one-off” assessment import. Regardless, the seats were exceptionally comfortable and supportive. A highlight is the multi-function “floating centre console” which I personally found to be a brilliant piece of design. The logical simplicity of the audio/CD and climate controls deserves high praise. Volvo has also got the right mix between comfort and roadholding. I took the S40 to one of my favourite test tracks and really hammered it . It did not put a foot wrong. Outstanding roadholding, superb chassis balance and strong brakes put this car in the same league as thetop-of-the-range Alfas.

Engine/transmission

It is the first time I have tested a five-cylinder engine and this one is a beauty. With almost no turbo lag, the engine pumps out 162kW/5000 revs. And combined with one of the slickest six speed boxes around (heel and toe shifts are a breeze), this car is really an enthusiast’s delight.

With a claimed 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, this Volvo really moves. And because of the motor’s torque, the T5 is geared for economy in sixth and this showed in the consumption figures.

Summary

Yes, I have to show my bias. Although the S40 is not perfect I really loved the car. It is wonderfully balanced and beautifully designed. It is one of the rare cars that I did not want to give back. In 20 years of road testing this has only happened once. The S40 is the same price as the much-vaunted Alfa 147 GTA. The GTA, powered by a most sensuous V6, is one of my favourites. Yet as much as I like the Alfa, it is the S40 T5 I would have in my garage!

Economy

Expect economy to be under 9 litres/100km. But on a 600km round trip from Canberra to Tathra the car only sipped 7.3 litres/100km – an outstanding result for the performance available. Premium unleaded is required but with the 62-litre tank the potential range is very good.

Safety

If you ask the average Volvo driver how long they have owned the car they often don’t know – they bought their car so long ago. Take the Director of Defence Newspapers, Rod Horan, who has owned his 244 for more than 10 years. He has put more than 370,000 kms on the clock without any major repair. Volvo build strong cars and the company is justifiably renowned for the safety of its cars. A recent article in one of the national motoring mags on an S40 being slammed in the side by a bigger vehicle at 50km/h demonstrates the effort dedicated to building a strong passenger cell. In an accident, the steering column crumples horizontally on impact and the pedals break off. Dual stage front airbags are standard on all local models, as are front side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags. And lifted from the bigger Volvos, anti-whiplash seats are fitted, plus a side impact protection system.

Negatives

There are a few. From a driver’s perspective there is no left footrest – a real no-no on a performance car. A little more steering feel is probably warranted. Tall rear passengers hit their head on the back window and there is limited storage space. And as Australia buyers were given a full-size spare, there is limited room in the boot.