2005 Volvo S40

Like a young athlete determined to compete in the big leagues, Volvo continues to hone its muscle and skill with an eye on the seasoned players. Not content to just sell safety, Volvo’s lineup now commands respect among those who not only want to arrive alive, but also have some fun along the way. That provides an apt description for this second generation S40, Volvo’s smallest sedan. This new take on Volvo’s compact elevates it considerably. What was a nice, affordable European four-door from an automaker legendary for safety has become a rather naughty, but still affordable, European four-door from an automaker stepping up to the plate.

The good news
If you are at all acquainted with the first-generation S40, much of what you know won’t apply here. That’s obvious at first blush. The old S40 comes off as plain Jane beside this new, more aggressive body. Takings its cues from the larger Volvo S60, this sedan is slightly shorter, wider and taller than the previous one. This beefs it up, while shorter overhangs and thicker bumpers pile it on. The profile hints at a BMW 3-Series, spoiled only by the distinctly Volvo rear view. It’s a handsome car, and a good look for conveying performance.

That shift in dimensions, along with a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase and wider track, also makes more room inside. Legroom for backseat passengers extends 1.7 inches, a welcome relief.

The interior feels upscale for entry-level. Unadorned by today’s standards, its smooth cloth seats, leather steering wheel and monochromatic trim appear tasteful, no-nonsense. A lacquered panel mid-dash houses CD audio, climate and integrated phone. Volvo seems especially proud of the unique ultra-slim console. A “design icon” they call it. I am more proud of the simplicity. The driver gets the expected array of instruments, information and comforts for this class. But instead of the usual European aesthetic where buttons and controls blend, Volvo goes for First-Grade-reader bold. Where’s the central lock button? Why, it’s right here on the door, the size of a matchbox with a large-print picture of a lock on it! Ditto for the rest of the controls. Easy to find, easy to operate. What a concept!

The confident changes in the S40’s appearance insinuate better things to come behind the wheel. Ford’s ownership of Volvo and Mazda play a big part here. The S40 shares its “architecture” with the Mazda 3 and new Ford Focus. That means structure, suspension, steering and more were developed in common and applied to each. That’s nothing to be ashamed of these days, especially when the goods are this good. Ride, handling, rigidity, overall quiet: Check off the list. This S40 behaves and feels like a purebred.

What it doesn’t share is powertrain. Its predecessor was strictly an automatic/170-horsepower-tops kid, but this S40 kicks it up a notch with the choice of a five- or six-speed manual transmission, five-speed automatic and two five-cylinder engines. Mine was equipped with the lesser 2.4-liter inline 5 cylinder making 168 horses and the optional automatic transmission with Geartronic manual shift ($1200). I have also driven a 5-speed manual. Both are good.

Although this engine is down a couple of ponies from the previous engine’s best effort, nixing the turbo setup means this S40 accelerates more comfortably. I found it responsive and easy to like.

Safety measures are also uniquely Volvo’s. There is extensive use of high-tensile steel, including integrating four different grades of steel for optimum strength and protection. Side collision protection gets reinforcements, and air bag protection from front, side and overhead curtain comes standard on all models. The goal is for this to be the safest car in its class, says Volvo.

Its standard “comforts and conveniences” list is strong for its price, and options in my case added premium CD sound with audio controls on the steering wheel ($895) and sport suspension package ($850).

The bad news
Specifically, I have no concrete complaints, except Volvo recommends expensive premium fuel for all S40s, the operative word here being “recommends.” Overall, however, I wonder where this S40 fits in. It’s too pricey for the economy sedan set, too Volvo for the luxury/performance crowd.

Is it worth it?
For the money, I like this Volvo S40 a lot. It is roomier, more powerful and much more attractive than the car it replaces. It also has Volvo’s reputation for safety and durability and European sedan prestige going for it.

I don’t see it threatening BMW’s and Audi’s niche, at least not with this basic model, but the S40 is much closer to that competition than ever before. I suspect the 218-horse, 6-speed, all-wheel-drive T5 model will narrow the margin considerably.

Volvo continues to trade the old sensible shoes image for polish and performance. This new S40 is further evidence of that evolution, especially welcome for its affordability. The Big League is definitely within its grasp.

Particulars
Front-engine, five-passenger, four-door sedan
Price
Manufacturer’s base, $23,260
Price as tested, $26,890
Engine
Type: 2.4L Inline 5 cylinder
Power: 168 hp @ 6000 rpm; 170 lb-ft torque @ 4400 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: 5-speed manual tested; 5-speed automatic available
Front-wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Overall length: 175.9 inches
Curb weight: 3084 lbs.
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 22 mpg city/30 highway.

Website: www.volvocars.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.