1999 Volvo S40 XS 1.6

Summary:

Dull performer

Faults:

Intermittent problem with the driver's side electric window, sometimes it closes, sometimes it refuses to close and gets stuck halfway up.

Refuses to start 1st time, especially noticeable when it's cold. Apparently this is a feature of some 1.6 models, dealer's comments...

Terrible fuel economy...!

General Comments:

The Volvo S40 has good ergonomic design with comfortable seats and good driving position. I've done nearly 30,000 'ache free' miles in the last year.

Handling is poor, it rolls like a barrel in the corners/roundabouts.

In 1.6 guise it is seriously under-powered, with only 109 BHP it struggles big time, overtaking manouevres are best avoided, unless you like scaring yourself.

Fuel economy is very poor, it averages between 25 and 27 mpg regardless of how it's driven. I came from a 2.0 litre Hyundai Coupe that never did less than 30mpg and had considerably better performance.

Overall a reasonably built, safe and comfortable car. Avoid the 1.6, insist on the 2.0 litre or T4 to get decent performance. I had no choice though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2001

21st Jun 2001, 15:56

I sold my 1.6XS because of the sluggish acceleration, but I did get over 35mpg regularly.

I had zero quality or reliability problems, but suffered pretty steep depreciation for a "quality" brand.

1st Sep 2002, 19:55

The 1.6 engine on the latest models are fine for general motoring by most drivers. Test drive one and see - unless you spend all the time on motorways or need to grow up out of the boasting 'boy racer' phase the small engine has a lot to offer.

28th Nov 2002, 18:52

You get what you pay for. I've got a 1.8 16V S. E and it goes. I wouldn't touch a 1.6 though.

1999 Volvo S40 T4 1.9 turbo

Summary:

Sensible saloon with attitude

Faults:

Irritating problem with the steering lock that twice required attention.

More serious ignition failure, fortunately not at an inconvenient time.

On all occasions the dealer sorted the problem swiftly and provided whatever help was necessary, all without fuss.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and blindingly quick, without the usual tooth rattling ride you get at slow speeds in a sports saloon. Yet the handling is not unduly compromised and you would have to be pushing seriously hard to unsettle it.

The front wheels struggle for traction in the wet and I don't find the traction control does much to help. Careful choice of tyres offers much more.

Overall if you fancy performance without sacrificing comfort, this car should be on your list.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2000

1999 Volvo S40 XS 1.6

Faults:

Nothing - it's new.

General Comments:

The new engine in the 1.6 (109bhp) is really quite good. The car is very nice to drive and is well put together.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 1999