S40, but which engine?
Discussion
My wife has a C30 T5, and when it was in for a service I borrowed an S40 2.0D as a courtesy car. I was really surprised quite how pleasant the 2.0D is; great response to the accelerator pedal (better than the T5), nice and economical, lots of low down torque and surprisingly refined (except when idling, unavoidable with diesels in my experience). It was also plenty quick enough.
So, against the habit of a lifetime, I recommend a 4-cylinder diesel. Go for the 2.0D.
So, against the habit of a lifetime, I recommend a 4-cylinder diesel. Go for the 2.0D.
Well, it depends on how many miles you're going to do per year....the diesel is good, but obviously the fuel is much more expensive these days.
The 2.0D engine, is basically the same, whether you buy the X-type or Volvo, but I'd expect the volvo to be cheaper, with similar levels of kit.
The 2.0D engine, is basically the same, whether you buy the X-type or Volvo, but I'd expect the volvo to be cheaper, with similar levels of kit.
Which S40 are you refering to?
I don't know anything about the new (Focus based?) S40.
But for the older model, I'd say avoid the 1.6 and 1.8. The 1.6 is too gutless. (These are very heavy cars. They weight about 1750Kg) The 1.8 is better, but it has really tall gearing and seriously lacks grunt.
The 2.0 is good, and the 1.9 turbos (There are two. The 1.9T is low pressure turbo (170ish bhp?), the T4 is high pressure 200ish bhp?) are by all accounts pretty nippy.
I don't know anything about the new (Focus based?) S40.
But for the older model, I'd say avoid the 1.6 and 1.8. The 1.6 is too gutless. (These are very heavy cars. They weight about 1750Kg) The 1.8 is better, but it has really tall gearing and seriously lacks grunt.
The 2.0 is good, and the 1.9 turbos (There are two. The 1.9T is low pressure turbo (170ish bhp?), the T4 is high pressure 200ish bhp?) are by all accounts pretty nippy.
I was surprised to see the 1.6D getting extremely positive reviews, mind you. I'm pretty much planning on this as my next car following my current 1.4 TDI VW Polo. A decent enough upgrade in power (I've not been driving for 25 years/believe I need 300bhp etc.), good looks, smooth ride and what seems to be a great chassis being Ford platform. I imagine with a chip the 1.6D is fairly good and probably not too far off the 2.0? I'd benefit a lot being a young driver with the lower insurance and etceteras.
As an aside, do S40s come with the heated front windscreen like other Fords? I can't see it listed on the standard equipment anywhere but I'd be puzzled if it didn't have it?
As an aside, do S40s come with the heated front windscreen like other Fords? I can't see it listed on the standard equipment anywhere but I'd be puzzled if it didn't have it?
LongLiveTazio said:
As an aside, do S40s come with the heated front windscreen like other Fords? I can't see it listed on the standard equipment anywhere but I'd be puzzled if it didn't have it?
No. Volvo don't fit the heated windscreen because it is not as strong as a normal laminated screen and in extreme low temperatures (such as north Sweden...), they are more prone to cracking.JimexPL said:
LongLiveTazio said:
As an aside, do S40s come with the heated front windscreen like other Fords? I can't see it listed on the standard equipment anywhere but I'd be puzzled if it didn't have it?
No. Volvo don't fit the heated windscreen because it is not as strong as a normal laminated screen and in extreme low temperatures (such as north Sweden...), they are more prone to cracking.I'd suggest the manual D5, although I'm biased! I had the 1.6d in my focus and it was underpowered in that. The Volvo is getting on for a couple of hundred kilos heavier, so would be even worse. I had a lot of reliability issues with the 1.6d too, as did a colleague with the 2.0d in his V50. I've done over 25k in 8months in mine, and had no problems at all. Now averaging around 36-37mpg too for mixed driving with reasonable enthusiasm 
One thing I would warn however is that just because it is based on the Focus chassis, don't expect Focus like agility. You really feel that extra weight.One final thing worth mentioning is that the dealer service is first class!
One thing I would warn however is that just because it is based on the Focus chassis, don't expect Focus like agility. You really feel that extra weight.One final thing worth mentioning is that the dealer service is first class!Either T5, D5 or 2.0 Diesel.
The 2.4 petrol is barely anymore ecomincal than the T5, but is no where near as quick. And the 1.6's are slow to the point of being dangerous.
Largely depends on your budget. The 2.0D was put in from day one, but the D5 didn't go in until ~2007, so they still fetch big money.
The 2.4 petrol is barely anymore ecomincal than the T5, but is no where near as quick. And the 1.6's are slow to the point of being dangerous.
Largely depends on your budget. The 2.0D was put in from day one, but the D5 didn't go in until ~2007, so they still fetch big money.
the engine is great,slightly noisey at very low revs,but pulls like a steam train and averages 40 mpg.Thanks for all the replies guys.
In the end have a 1.8 petrol sat on the drive. I know some think the engine is a bit gutless but only need it for workhorse stuff. Good price and mileage so am happy.
Now just need to find an independent I can trust the car with. So anyone know anyone in either Suffolk or the West Midlands?
Thanks once again all.
In the end have a 1.8 petrol sat on the drive. I know some think the engine is a bit gutless but only need it for workhorse stuff. Good price and mileage so am happy.
Now just need to find an independent I can trust the car with. So anyone know anyone in either Suffolk or the West Midlands?
Thanks once again all.
why? If the depths of winter you still have to clear sides, fire up the engine, leave on defrost while you clear the sides and rear, by the time they are done front is melted and what is left is so soft that cleaning is easy.
Really is not an issue in the real world imo. Heated front screens very overrated devices after having had one.
Really is not an issue in the real world imo. Heated front screens very overrated devices after having had one.
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