Acceleration

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
5	7	6	6.2

Volvo says S40 2.4i does 7.7 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 8.4 with automatic. Pickup is unimpressive, even with manual, especially up long grades. T5s feel snappy, are mostly free of irksome turbo-induced throttle lag. Test manual-transmission S40 T5 did 6.9 sec 0-60. Manual shift slick, precise. Automatic generally smooth, responsive.

Fuel Economy

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5.4

No opportunity yet to measure with 2.4i versions. Test S40 T5s averaged 20.3 mpg with manual transmission, 20.6 with automatic. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
7	6	7	5.9

All models firm, but base-suspension versions comfortably compliant on most surfaces. Taut sport suspension, standard with AWD and part of Sport Package option, triggers abrupt vertical motions on bumps; in combination with low-profile 17-inch tires, makes for uncomfortably stiff ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
6	7	6	7.2

Assured, nimble, if not quite sport sedan tenacious. Steering accurate, furnishes good road communication, but some testers say it feels overassisted. Tight turning circle for good low-speed maneuverability. Brakes erase speed quickly with fine stability, moderate nosedive.

Quietness

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
6	5	6	6.1

These 5-cyl engines lack 6-cyl smoothness, but aren't noisy except for intrusive thrum at high rpm. Wind noise modest. Little road ruckus from 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but smooth surfaces. Test AWD V50 had annoying drumming resonance from cargo area at highway speeds.

Controls

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7

Mostly user-friendly design: Ultrathin center stack houses audio, climate controls, which some testers say takes time to sort out. Windshield-wiper stalk interferes with easy access to dashboard-mounted ignition switch. Cabin design sleek, modern. Materials of high quality. Some testers noted a persistent squeak from the driver seat in one test AWD V50.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.5

Interior width not abundant, but there's adult-size head and leg room on supportive, well-shaped seats. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, available power seat let most drivers get comfortably situated. Visibility good except to right-rear in sedan, where head restraints and high deck interfere some.

Room/Comfort (rear)

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.6

Two adults get decent head and elbow room. Knee space tight if front seats more than halfway aft, but generous toe room offsets crowding. Seat short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry/exit.

Cargo Room

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.7

Fine trunk room for compact sedan abetted by standard fold-down rear seats, but volume not huge by absolute standards and aperture won't swallow really big cargo. Interior storage subpar.

Value within Class

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	6.1

S40 may be a little too pricey and not quite sporty enough to snare the young driving enthusiasts Volvo targets. But the sedan is a solid, capable, and--without the optional sport suspension/17-inch-tire combination--comfortable car that offers most big-Volvo features in compact packages. Availability of all-wheel drive strengthens the attraction.

Total Score

S40 2.4i, man.	S40 T5 w/Sport Pkg., man.	S40 T5, auto.	Class Average
56	56	57	58.7

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		58
High Score		65