Wilvo S40 test drive since 2007 sedan
Tse Scandinavians ...
Class C, which we are talking about in this issue, has grown so much (in the literal sense of the word) in recent years that even a car such as Saab 9-3, in size practically fits into it. Well, the Volvo S40 is even classic representative from the class of elite blood. They were at the same time at our disposal literally for a couple of hours. How not to evaluate even in a few words - Swedish fellow citizens together?
But how legitimate is it to speak at the same time about the SAAB 9-3 and Volvo S40? Can they be considered full -fledged classmates? After all, the plane is larger, more expensive and, and, in fact, what else? They have no less similarities: what is at least nationality!
As for the above differences, they are negligible upon closer examination. The difference in the length of 15 cm is almost entirely determined by the more impressive Saab trunk, and the difference of $ 1,500 with more modest opportunities for the basic Volvo.
Saab is strong with its charisma, which, alas, not everyone can understand. Yes, and formulating it is extremely difficult. Fans of the brand proudly say: in Saab there is it! This is what we are talking about?
You are unlikely to find it in the car interior. Saab 9-3 was created at the end of the 20th century, and even the most ingenious design ideas are powerless against the time. True, last year's restyling clearly refreshed the salon, but still the central console collected in a single square and the instrument panel can be called classic, or a boring solution can be called. Yes, and too large the steering wheel does not recall the sports capabilities of the car.
Outside, nine to thirds are good even without restyling (this summer the Swedes will present an updated version 9-3). Swift severity of the business card of the brand, and Saab 9-3 corresponds to it in full.
Prices Volvo S40
The most affordable sedan with a 1.6-liter 100-horsepower engine and a mechanical gearbox costs from $ 23,900. Its starting equipment includes ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, front, lateral and security curtains for the driver and front passenger, electric drive front and rear glasses, The electric drive and heating of the side mirrors, electric power steering and steering wheel adjustment, air conditioning, heating the front seats, the Performance audio system, four speakers. A car with a 2.4-liter 140-horsepower engine and an automatic checkpoint will cost $ 30,300.
The movement remains. For an updated model, a 122-horsepower atmospheric engine will be offered as a base. However, in my opinion, the real Saab is still turbocharged. For example, this is 175-horsepower. How nice to feel the hood of the turbine under the hood and feel the jerk of a car by about 3000 revolutions! Of course, acceleration in Saab is not the most comfortable, but what is the power!
For such a brisk car, Saab is controlled very simply. The main thing is to beware of the holes, since the clearance of 9-3 is relatively small, and the suspension is quite soft.
Now transplanted behind the wheel of S40. The salon looks beautiful and fun primarily due to the light sheet of the central console. An amazing feeling: it seems that there are almost no buttons here, but they are! It’s just that the designers very successfully scattered them, leaving not annoying space. And only the steering wheel here also seems large.
Looking at the S40 from the outside, it is difficult to assume racing instincts in it. At least he looks more like a family machine due to the lines of the body and a higher clearance.
Prices SAAB 9-3
The minimum amount equivalent to the SAAB 9-3 car with a 1.8-liter 122-horsepower engine and manual transmission is $ 25,400. The ESP, ABS, TCS system, six airbags, steel discs 15, climate control, radio tape recorder are included in the standard equipment. On the steering wheel and four speakers, electroregulation and heating of mirrors. You can purchase a car with a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower turbo engine and automatic transmission, having at least $ 29,900.
On the road, Volvo appears a very assembled car. Everything from the opening of the doors to pressing the gas pedal must be done with a moderate, but noticeable effort. The S40 family also confirms its family: with a fairly decent 140-horsepower unit, its acceleration is relatively calm. There are no complaints about the machine: only a very picky person can call it thoughtful.
What is particularly captivated by Volvo: the car obeys the steering wheel perfectly, although it is heavily heavily unexpected, and at low speeds it seems empty.
For excellent controllability, the S40 paid a rather stiff suspension. The machine behaves perfectly in turns, perfectly corrects the driver’s small mistakes, but some discomfort is felt in the pits and potholes.
Strange, but despite the fact that SAAB is more than Volvo, the S40 would be a more logical choice as a car for a family: while nine to thirds are more likely, a car for an egoist. This is probably why they are difficult to consider competitors to each other. Unless you want a Swedish sedan. And not very large.
Cars were provided for the test by the official dealer GM, Atlant-M Baltic and the official Volvo dealer company Smolninsky Autocenter
Text: Ilya Orekhov
Photo: Roman Ostanin
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 114/2007]
