2003 Volvo V40

Vehicle Type: FWD compact luxury wagon.
Base Price: $ 25,450

Pros:
Acceleration
Handling
Comfortable Seats
Volvo Safety
Fuel Economy
Braking

Cons:
Radio Controls
No Manual Transmission
Interior Noise

Overview

Assembled in Belgium in cooperation with Mitsubishi, the entry level Volvo 40 series is available as a sedan, the S40, or as a wagon, the V40. Competitors include the VW Jetta The compact luxury 40 series has an impressive list of standard equipment and safety features. The V40 we drove last week is a nice balance of practicality and luxury in a fun to drive package. Only one engine and transmission is offered.

The Driving Experience

In doing research for this review I read where the 40 series is actually based on the Mitsubishi Charisma, a European model not available in North America. In other words, you could say that the V40 is not really a Volvo. Let me put your fears to rest right here: This car feels like a Volvo. Evidently, the Swedes had a hand in the development of the car. Like so many European cars, ride and handling have been tuned to provide the best of both worlds. The ride is firm without being harsh and steering, cornering and road feel are excellent for this price range. Although the leather seats are manually adjusted, it’s easy to find a good driving position with a good view out although rear vision is somewhat obscured. Front seats are very comfortable with the rear area a little cramped for long legged adults.

Mechanicals

Under the hood you’ll find an all-aluminum 1.9-liter DOHC 16 valve turbo producing 170 HP and 240 ft. lbs of torque. The light pressure turbo gives just enough boost to provide snappy acceleration without significant turbo lag and the torquey 4 cylinder has plenty of grunt in the lower RPM range. Continuously variable valve timing works with the turbo to scoot the V40 to 60 MPH in 8.4 seconds. That’s not blinding speed but if feels faster than that behind the wheel. Once underway, passing is a breeze and top speed is rated at 130 MPH. Fuel economy is impressive with a rating of 23 city and 35 out on the hi-way. The lone transmission choice is a smooth shifting 5-speed unit. It would be nice to have the option of a 5 or 6-speed manual but none is offered. Front wheel drive turbo cars often suffer from torque steer under acceleration but it’s not a big factor with the V40. Front suspension is MacPherson struts with front and rear stabilizer bars. The 4-wheel ABS Disc brakes are smooth and powerful bringing the V40 to a 60-0 mph stop is only 138 feet.

Interior

The V40 has the look and feel of a luxury car with available leather seating and an overall tasteful appearance. Standard features include cruise control, telescoping/tilt wheel, power windows, climate control, outside temperature display and a 7-speaker stereo. One of issues I have with the V40 is the poorly designed radio controls. Why do so many manufactures put us through these time consuming and unnecessarily complex radio controls? Here is a novel idea: How about 2 knobs, one for volume and one for tuning with a row of pre-set buttons in between? I think some car companies equate luxury with a dizzying array of gadgets when I believe luxury should equal simplicity of design and intuitive operation. (end of rant) Aside from the radio controls, the V40 cabin is really quite nice and most everything else is well laid out pretty well. The afore-mentioned stereo does sound good and comes with CD. Options include 8 way power seats, leather interior and power sunroof. Our test car was so equipped. I was a little disappointed in terms of interior noise. Granted, it was windy during part of my test drive but wind noise was pretty noticeable in the V40. If you need cargo room the V40’s got up to 68.1 cubic feet of space available with the rear seats folded down.

Safety and Security

Long a hallmark of Volvo vehicles, the tradition of safety continues with the V40. Front driver and passenger air-bags, side airbags, side curtain air bags, whiplash protection, side impact protection and a special safety cage design along with rear fog lamps and a collapsible steering column are all standard. Dynamic stability Control and headlight washers are optional. A security system is also standard featuring an immoblizer ignition. Other standard items include roadside assistance, remote keyless entry and a 4 year 50,000 mile warranty. See your Volvo dealer or check out www.volvocarsus.com for more.

Conclusion

As listeners to my radio will attest, I’ve long been a Volvo fan. As you can tell, I like this one too. I was a little concerned when I heard it was built in conjunction with Mitsubishi but this car feels every bit a Volvo. It’s safe, practical and fun to drive thanks to the turbo and it’s excellent handling. The price can get a little steep if you pile on the options but even the base model is well equipped. Don’t leave this car off your shopping list.

Tom Collins
6/4/03