2006 Volvo S40 Review

The compact Volvo S40 T5 is the sports sedan version of the automaker's entry-level S40, but it is a little too soft and refined to compete directly with harder-edged rivals, including those from Acura, Audi, BMW, Mazda and Subaru.

Despite its country club personality, the S40 T5 should be plenty fast and sporty for many folks, and provides no-fuss comfortable daily driving.

The regular $23,755 S40 2.4i sedan has a 2.4-liter, five-cylinder engine that generates 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It's a handsome model, looking much like a scaled-down version of the mid-size Volvo S60 sedan. It's a nicely equipped front-drive model that provides decent acceleration, with a five-speed manual gearbox or optional five-speed automatic transmission.

The T5 version of the S40 has the same styling, but jumps to another league with its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder. It kicks out 218 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque over a wide rpm range. It's offered with front drive or an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate.

Volvo long has used an inline (not V-shaped) five-cylinder engine for most models. It does a good job, but lacks six-cylinder smoothness.

The front-drive T5 costs $26,615 with a manual gearbox and $28,390 with that transmission and all-wheel drive. The responsive five-speed automatic adds $1,200.

My test T5 had all-wheel drive (AWD) and the manual transmission. That gearbox shifts nicely and works with a light, fairly short-throw clutch. But I'd opt for the responsive automatic if I spent a lot of time in heavy traffic.

The T5 has the 2.4i equipment, which includes everything from air conditioning to the usual power accessories, and adds such items as automatic climate control and aluminum interior trim.

The T5 is quick off the line and scoots to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, with little turbocharged lag. However, although the engine is potent, a driver must be in the right gear at all times to get the most from it -- and that calls for lots of shifting unless you're mostly in light or moderately heavy traffic.

A downshift from the manual transmission's sixth gear to fourth or even third gear is needed for the best 65-75 mph passing times.

My test T5 had the Dynamic Trim Package, which costs $1,895 for the all-wheel-drive model and $2,025 for the front-drive version. It makes the T5 look sportier, with such items as front and rear spoilers and body cladding. The package also contains 17-inch (up from 16-inch) alloy wheels and wider (50-series) tires for better handling.

The all-wheel-drive T5 comes with a standard sport suspension that is optional for the front-drive T5. A $695 anti-skid system is offered for both versions and is well worth the money.

Other options include a navigation system, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats and in-dash CD changer.

Standard safety features include front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.

Miles-per-gallon has become a big issue, and the S40 T5 does OK for a sports sedan. Estimated fuel economy for the front-drive T5 with the manual transmission is 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway and 20 and 29 with all-wheel drive.

Figures with the automatic are 22 and 30 with front drive and 20 and 28 with all-wheel drive

Steering is accurate, and the T5 has a tight turning circle. A supple suspension provides a good ride and responsive handling, although the car lacks the sharpness of competitors such as a BMW 3-Series sedan. However, the brake pedal feels good, and stopping distances with the standard anti-lock brakes are impressively short.

Large door handles help allow easy entry, although narrow rear door thresholds hinder entry and exit. Front seats are supportive, and there's comfortable space for three tall adults and a shorter one. The T5 is too narrow for three-across adult seating in back, but there's a fold-down rear center armrest with cupholders.

Front seats in the quiet, high-quality interior provide good support during spirited driving, and the cleverly styled "floating" front console seems as if from an auto show concept car. The driver has a great view of the road ahead, but it's impossible to see low objects directly behind the car through the rear window.

Gauges can be easily read, and climate controls are large. The sound system has a mixture of small and large controls. Front console cupholders are placed to avoid spills, but small front door pockets are almost useless. Also, the windshield wiper stalk interferes with easy access to the ignition switch.

The long, rather shallow trunk has a low opening and a lid that pops up well out of the way for easy loading. Rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area.

The S40 T5 is for those who want a compact sports sedan with a strong dose of comfort and features of larger Volvos, along with all-wheel-drive availability. 

2006 VOLVO S40 T5 

PRICES: $26,615-$28,390

LIKES: Fast. Refined. Good roadability. Available all-wheel drive.

DISLIKES: Lots of shifting with manual gearbox. Tight for tall passenger behind driver.