2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD

Ford's global C1 platform gets around. In our April 2005 issue, we discussed our newest long-term acquisition, the Mazda3, which has C1 architecture--even though Ford isn't yet using it for its U.S.-market Focus. Volvo has wisely chosen to employ the C1 as the basis of its newest model, the entry-level S40. We ordered the topline T5 AWD with four options. Our Barents Blue Metallic ($475) S40 has a five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic ($1200). The Select Package ($1850) includes a power glass moonroof, 17-inch SAGITTA alloy wheels, and the premium sound system with six-disc CD. The Climate Package ($625) has the usual heated seats and headlamp washers, plus a rain sensor.

The total came to $33,015. The S40's newfound Swedishness (the old car was a joint-platform venture with Mitsubishi) hasn't gone unnoticed by our staff: The feel and texture of all contact surfaces reinforce the rock-solid nature of the Volvo brand. We also took notice of the "honey, I shrunk the S80" styling cues, something that doesn't always translate well in scaling from a large car to a smaller one. Most feel this shape looks even better in the mini-me S40 size and is unmistakable as anything but a Volvo. The car is already out of its break-in period and, so far, so good from a maintenance and service standpoint.