Faults:

Had to be returned to the dealer on the day of purchase, as the paint work was faulty on the front wing.

2009 - Power steering failed due to a leak in the hydraulic system.

2009 - Goes into intermittent safe mode repeatedly. Codes indicate faulty accelerator pedal/sensor. Replaced, but failed 10 miles down the road.

2010 - ABS system failed.

2010 - Doors refused to open (not for the first time). Just lucky an elderly relative was not trapped inside.

2012 - Went into safe mode again because of accelerator pedal issues. Replaced for the third time. Continued to go into reduced power mode intermittently almost at once.

2013 - Problem continues.

This is why I will never buy a Volvo again, nor recommend one. Dealers have been very unhelpful. I could say more. The worst car I have ever owned.

General Comments:

Avoid.

Faults:

Air bag passenger sensor (repaired under warranty).

A/C drainage (warranty).

Shifter blind broke.

Outside temp sensor went bad.

Ball bearing (warranty).

Motor mount (warranty).

General Comments:

Suspension and chassis are great.

Spacious inside for its size (not so much on the rear).

Spacious trunk, but small opening.

Base engine is not race bred, but gets the job done.

Transmission algorithm is sporty.

Love the looks, inside and out.

Faults:

Very minor oil leak from the rocker cover, fixed without fuss under warranty.

General Comments:

This car tends to be pitched as an Audi/BMW alternative by much of the motoring press. I can see why, the build quality is excellent, but for me there is no contest in this 3 way comparison; it's well known that the BMW 3 Series is a superb machine, but unfortunately it gained a reputation as being a bit of a berk mobile, being regularly spotted cutting people up and tailgating on the motorways with a general "get out of my way, I own the road" kind of stigma. It seems like the Audi A4 / A3 and VW Golf are now taking over this role, maybe the Beemer will lose its stigma if all the berks switch to VW/Audi ownership.

The S40, while in my opinion being very nearly as good as the Beemer and the Audi, doesn't suffer this reputation, you can still run around in a quality car, AND be let out at junctions by other motorists.

The interior is a pleasant place to be, quality plastics and a clean and tidy layout, the floating centre console is a work of art, seats are the best available, very comfortable on long journeys.

The Ford/PSA diesel engine is a touch noisy, but is very gutsy and returns 50 to the gallon as an average.

The dealer is brilliant, very very helpful, servicing is reasonable, but I nearly fell over backwards when I got a quote for new tyres; avoid the 17 inch wheels, they look great but you need to re-mortgage the house to change the tyres.