2007 Volvo S40: Road Test
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2007 Volvo S40 ▼
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- MSRP: $24,240 -$28,990
- Invoice: $22,821 -$27,286
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Our road test for the 2007 Volvo S40 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Volvo S40 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Volvo S40, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Volvo S40 help you decide if a 2007 Volvo S40 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6 | 6.6 |
Volvo says S40 2.4i does 7.7 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission, 8.4 with automatic. That sounds adequate, but in practice, acceleration is unimpressive, even with manual, especially up long grades. T5s snappier, suffer little irksome turbo lag. Test manual-transmission T5 did 6.9 sec 0-60 mph. Manual shift action slick, precise. Automatic generally smooth, responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
No opportunity to measure with 2.4i models. Test T5s averaged 20.3 mpg with manual transmission, 20.6 with automatic. Test automatic AWD V50 averaged 25.0 mpg with more highway use. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for all S40s.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
All models firm, but base suspension reasonably compliant on most surfaces. Tauter sport suspension, included with AWD models and optional Sport Package, reacts sharply to bumps, makes for uncomfortably stiff ride in concert with low-profile 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7.3 |
Assured and predictable, but not quite sport-sedan agile. Steering accurate, has good feedback, but some testers find it too light for best highway-speed control. Tight turning circle aids low-speed maneuvering. Brakes ease speed quickly with fine stability, moderate nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
These 5-cyl engines lack 6-cyl smoothness, suffer intrusive high-rpm thrum, but are OK otherwise. Wind noise modest. Little road ruckus from 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but smoothest surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Mostly user friendly. Ultrathin center stack houses audio and climate buttons that some testers say take time to sort out and are too easily hit by accident while shifting. Windshield-wiper stalk impedes accessing dashboard-mounted ignition switch. Cabin has minimalist design, high-quality materials, and solid workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Interior not that wide, but furnishes adult-size head and leg room on supportive, well-shaped seats. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, available power seat let most drivers get comfortable. Visibility good except to right-rear, where head rests and high deck partly interfere.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Two adults get decent head and elbow room, but three will feel pinched. Knee space tight if front seats more than halfway aft, but toe room generous. Seat short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Good trunk room for a compact sedan, abetted by standard folding rear seatbacks, but volume meager by absolute standards and aperture won't accept bulky cargo. Interior storage subpar.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
S40 may be a bit pricey and not quite sporty enough for the younger buyers Volvo covets. But it's a solid, capable compact that appeals for its big-Volvo style, solid workmanship, and safety features, plus available all-wheel drive. Just avoid the optional sport suspension/17-inch-tire combination, which compromises ride comfort and does little for roadability.
Total Score
| 2.4i, man. | T5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | T5, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 57 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 56
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