Test drive Volvo S40 2004 - 2007 sedan

Classmates from the 4th "D"

Tested by time and roads
These four cars were connected in one test by national basis. Four representatives of class D from four countries. Not leaders, but not outsiders of the market. We chose sedans with motors above two liters, with automatic boxes and a fairly wide range of options.
Honda Accord

Honda Accord is dynamic, even a sharp car for those who know how to drive and appreciate sports qualities
The valuable quality of Honda is instant start.
Accord is rapid in everything, starting with the abundance of wedge -shaped lines and ending with honed reactions to any driver action
Two pipes, spoiler, overlays are a valiant knight in armor.
 
Under the hood
Engine: working volume 2354 cm3,
compression degree 10.5: 1,
max. Power 190 l. with. at 6800 vol./min,
max. moment 223 Nm at 4500 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.9/13.7 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 65 liters
Maximum volume: 460 l.
The luggage compartment is impressive and the lid opens conveniently.
Only a high line of the connector disappeared. Spare wheel under the carpet
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
The front two -leaf
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 227
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 9
general information
The mass of equipment./Full, kg 1480/1960
 
Peugeot 407

She leaves no one indifferent.
The 407th does not look big behind.
Fighting headlights are great and very well illuminate the space on the sides of the protruding nose.
Under the orange display, PEUGEOT has a convenient concave shelf with a rubber coating. Tumors like ...

Under the hood
Engine: working volume 2231 cm3,
compression degree 10.8: 1,
max. Power 158 liters. with. at 5650 vol./min,
max. moment 217 nm at 3900 vol./min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.1/13.9 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 66 l
Maximum volume: 410 l.
The smallest trunk and the most incorrect.
You have to open the lid behind its lower edge.
Under the rug full -size fifth wheel
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
The front two -leaf
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 4-Test.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 211
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 12.1
general information
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1280/2040
 
Opel Vectra

Behind and in the Vectra profile among competitors is the most stringent.
The German approach to building a car is felt in every detail of the Opel appearance.
For many owners of the Opel, his boyfriend has become native. They attract democratic prices and the widest range of potential buyers.
The slanting headlights gave the face a slightly smiling look. There are fewer severity, and the car visually grew in front.
The usual forms of the back. There are no innovations here. At least at first glance.

Under the hood
Engine: working volume 2198 cm3,
compression degree 12: 1,
max. Power 155 liters. with. at 5600 vol./min,
max. moment 220 nm at 3800 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 6.6/11.8 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 61 l
   
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The rear independent lever
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 212
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 10.5
general information
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1475/2150
 
Volvo S60

Until recently, the developed VOLVO waist line looked defiantly unusual. But everyone is used to it, and now it is an integral attribute of design.
The main minus Volvo is the high cost of maintenance and spare parts. True, this does not scare true radiator adiates with a slant.
In any perspective, Volvo is recognized at first sight.
Each silhouette is carefully verified.
In this test, the assessments of our experts were completely coincided.
 
Under the hood
Engine: working volume 2435 cm3,
compression degree 10.3: 1,
max. Power 140 liters. with. at 4500 vol./min,
max. moment 220 nm at 330 rpm/min
Fuel consumption (EPA): 9.5 l per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 70 l
Maximum volume: 425 l.
This trunk is in third place.
The bevels of lanterns do not interfere with loading due to the large width of the opening.
The reserve under the rug.
The number of places 5
Front drive
Suspension
The front is independent
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 205
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 11.1
general information
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1440/1980
 
Who is what
Opel Vectra
The price of a tested car is $ 31,000
Max. Power 155 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b212 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 10.5 s
Honda Accord
The price of a tested car is $ 35 900
Max. Power 190 l. with.
Max. speed 220 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 9 s
 
Volvo S60
The price of a tested car is $ 32,000
Max. Power 140 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b205 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 11.1 s
Peugeot 407
The price of a tested car is $ 34 500
Max. Power 158 liters. with.
Max. Speed \u200b\u200b211 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 12.1 s
 
Business
Opel Vectra ****
The result of the Euro NCAP crash test in 2002
Front. 12 out of 16 (75%)
Side. 18 out of 18 (100%)
Total score 30 of 34 (88%)
Vectra B is better than its predecessor. The designers worked especially well on the side protection, so that the car scored the maximum number of points in this discipline.
Honda Accord ****
The result of the Euro NCAP crash test in 2003
Front. 10 out of 16 (63%)
Side. 17 out of 18 (94%)
Total score 28 of 34 (82%)
Great side protection in Honda is combined with a single -stage airbag, which nevertheless successfully copes with the protection of the head and neck. A serious plus of a three -point belt in the middle of the back.
 
Volvo s60 ****
The result of the Euro NCAP crash test in 2001
Front. 10 out of 16 (63%)
Side. 18 out of 18 (100%)
Total score 28 of 34 (82%)
The results of Volvo were slightly lower than the expected, given the traditions of the brand in terms of security. The Volvo S60 has perfect lateral protection, but, according to NCAP, insufficient protection of the legs area.
Peugeot 407 *****
The result of the Euro NCAP crash test in 2004
Front. 15 out of 16 (94%)
Side. 16 out of 18 (89%)
Total score 34 of 34 (100%)
Breeding into the five 407th is almost a sample security. Testers especially marked the stiffness of the bottom and minor accelerations during the frontal impact. The lateral protection is imperfect due to slightly exceeded lateral acceleration.
How they will look
 
Honda Acord
The first show (7th generation) 2002
Honda design
 
 
Peugeot 407
The first show 2004
Design director Gerard Welter (Girard Welter)
 
 
Opel Vectra
The first show of 2001 Changes in the design of 2005
Design director Bryan Nesbitt (Bryan Nesbitt).
 
 
Volvo S60
The first show of 2000
Design Director Peter Horberi (Peter Horbery)
 
Outside
Verily the entire style palette of the European middle class D is truly presented here. Here, here is the Veteran of the genre of Volvo, a fresh look from Peugeot designers, facel stylists, as well as Honda in European guise (design of the American and Japanese versions of another). Indeed, the plastic idea, which is based on the appearance of the S60, eight years, which was based on the Swedes, (the premiere of the S80 style donor took place in 1998). The face of Peugeot, although new, at the expense of its vivid personality managed to become confused. Vectra’s facial delays, made this year, came down to the new V-shaped front bumper line, which brought to the technocratic appearance of the Opel design a note of oriental sentimentality. Confirmation of this is a similar line that decorated the face of the European version of the Japanese Accord. In the competition of the silhouettes of the Palm of the Championship for Peugeot, the front overhang of which is worthy of the Book of Records, and, if not noticing the inconvenience during parking, this becomes almost the main component of the expressiveness of the Frenchman style.
A rare case, but behind the picture is very motley and expressive. All cars demonstrate individually completed integrity. The role of the rear lighting is perfectly worked out the role of the final note. So, Volvo has traditionally figured rubies (no one has such!), The final dynamic scattering of the window sill (Horbury shoulders), and Accord has three rounds, introducing a note of sports expressiveness into the image. Surprisingly, the intensity of the Peugeot style as it approaches the rear lights decreases and runs out there completely. Opel puts an point in German concentration on a silver horizontal bar.
Inside
Traditions to identify the class on plastic inserts imitating wood in this category of cars are finally broken. Winged metal dominates everyone. Traditionally, this brings sports, lightness and dynamics to the style. In the architecture of instrument panels, everyone also emphasizes such flightness, but in their own way. The traditional T-shaped composition is chosen by everyone, but the Volvo designers look most patriarchal is the age of the model. The rest play modern techniques to the extent of their age, no more. A solid four -spoke steering wheel only in Peugeot. Opel and Honda are emphasized, and the Volvo steering wheel, albeit a three-spoke, is equipped with a massive pillow, as was adopted a long time ago.
Summary
This four with honor satisfies the majority of requests regarding the style in Euroclass D, and, in this regard, each car seeks to emphasize the tactics of the owner’s self -affirmation. PEUGEOT Refined, Honda, no matter how strange it seems, emotionality, Opel judgment, and Volvo design just needs updating.
Like/ didn't like it

 
Honda Accord
LIKED
Turners in the mirrors what a convenient thing! My will would make them mandatory, instead of a ban on red flashes from behind
DID NOT LIKE
A thin and slippery turn of turn signals/light loves to jump down, but forward. Still, headlights and flashes are better to divide
 
 
Peugeot 407
LIKED
The contrasting pictures of the monitor, although small, are still very visual, and functionally divided into zones
DID NOT LIKE
The wheel of irrelevant in France is hidden on the basis of the seat. All that remains to turn on the shame and count the clicks
 
 
Opel Vectra
LIKED
The steering wheel is good, and the rubber pseudo -cooleship of the volume adjustment is even better. Although it does not spin, but always at hand
DID NOT LIKE
We are used to the turn signals, but there is no light to a round handle. Again, the need for visual control without the possibility of tactile
 
 
Volvo S60
LIKED
I am glad that you do not need to think which button to press, nor look later, what exactly turned on
DID NOT LIKE
On this shelf of the rear bumper, even in a slight snowfall, a snowdrift grows, completely closing the flashing lights
 
Ergonomics
The comfort of the car for the driver and passengers begins with the door handle. Having demonstrated the unity of solutions, Honda, Opel and Peugeot offer to pull on a convenient handle with through coverage. The Swedish brand here is clearly behind, offering to open the door for the rise of the nobility. But to close the door behind you in Volvo is convenient. Great vertical hands are also present on Opel.
The biggest problem with the doors of Peugeot. Huge, as if in a two-door machine, and heavy (due to a powerful safety frame inside) the voting doors are equipped with tight limiters, and they must be opened at a large angle. Ladies who are not able to stop the horse for a gallop, will have to pretty much to suffer hope only on the gallantry of the accompanying gentleman.
In addition, an acute corner of the edging is waiting for you from the outside. On this, it should be noted that the shortcomings of the ergonomics of the front places of Peugeot almost end. The Frenchwoman has comfortable seats with electroregies, a good steering wheel and a gear selector with a serpentine slot. The clarity of his moves, although not Mercedes, but quite acceptable. Small reproach to designers: the wheel of heating the seats can only be found to the touch, he does not have indication, and to understand the degree of frying the rider, the circle will have to be driven several times from the edge to the edge and count the clicks.
The instrument shield shines with contrasting orange symbols and numbers. It is visible perfectly both at night and during the day. The presence of two temperature sensors seemed unusual. A separate indicator of the engine oil temperature displaced the benzometer to the middle of the shield. The display on the console is somewhat small and oversaturated with many icons, but the console itself is easily read.
In general, the PEUGEOT salon makes the impression of a spacious one, although it turns out to be not so chopping. In the convenient rear seat, Vladimir Smirnov had no space above his head. And the length is not enough. In terms of saving excesses, French car Leader.
Honda is clearly more spacious. Here no one could get the crown to the ceiling. The front seats are dense and covered with high -quality skin. They are adjusted easily. The steering wheel is somewhat thin, but the buttons on it are the most adequate. The thick front racks and the slippery turn of the turn signals were upset. His oblique line will help turn on the high light instead of flashing lights. The right mirror is designed so that no position of the head relative to it gives information about the obstacles in the dead zone. The non -Panoramic zone is small, and the distortions in the rest are such that it is not possible to quickly process the image.
The Hondovsky console caused conflicting reviews. On the one hand, three twins are simple and good. On the other hand, the abundance of different buttons around makes the eye to wander sadly in search of the necessary.
The selector with the side button is familiar and clear, and the shield with advertising-pronouncing light scales is surprisingly informative. Against its background, the weakly spacing monitor and buttons look dull.
In my opinion, the dominant dark shades of all the elements of the gearbox are somewhat spoiled, but this is only a matter of choosing the color scheme of the finish.
At first glance, the Opel torpedo was pleased with German clarity and conciseness. Unfortunately, this clarity is not always manifested in practice. I don’t want to mention the wonderful steering wheel switches without fixation again. Poking for half a day, you get used to it. And you transplant into another car and understand that all this is superfluous.
But in fact, GM good in general products spoils the abundance of annoying and completely eliminated trifles. Such as the round hand of the light switch without the usual edge, the inconvenient trigger of the KP selector or the external mirrors with an insufficient viewing area. This also includes a complex algorithm for obtaining the desired function of the climatic installation and symbolic light bulbs of internal mirrors in visors. They shine, but do not illuminate anything.
The seats are tough in German, with highly developed lateral support. Convenient and with large adjustments, although the handle of the longitudinal shift was not found immediately. The steering wheel of optimal section, stiffness and is equipped with an extremely convenient wheel adjustment wheel. A trifle, but nice.
There are plenty of places in the back in Opel, it is not by chance that such cars often work in a taxi.
Volvo turned out to be the most spacious. Here, there is enough space ahead, and no one will be closely in the back. The front seats are wonderful. There is a lot of space behind, and the landing is not bad, although the sofa itself is made too flat.
But what a blessing, after numerous studies of the functions of pens and buttons of competitors, to see a simple and utterly clear shield with a console! Maybe for someone these forms will seem unreasonable or rustic. I can have a car to my heart, which does not cause additional riddles and complex calculations like if you press this key up twice, then turn that thing counterclockwise for a one and a half click, then this unfortunate cold stream will turn off right on the scoreboard, and finally begins, and finally begins blowing frozen legs ...
In Volvo, everything is simple and clear. You can’t imagine a shield better. Four acquaintances of the device, illuminated by even green light. The screen of the route computer constantly shows the average consumption or the balance in the tank. No agreements (like I Agree) or getting it through the menu are required. The buttons and handles are grouped by functions, the control of which does not force to be distracted from the road. Long live such simplicity, which, believe me, in this case is better than theft!
The only minus inside can be considered not a completely convenient move of the handbrake, while the trigger of the box selector works excellently. Among other things, an excellent holder of a glass leaves from the left side of the console. The third in a row (two more in the armrest). And Volvo has the most comfortable head restraints.
In terms of visibility, the Swede is fine with the only amendment. Visually, the largest car forced to constantly make sure that it really extends forward and backwards a little more than expected.
Dynamics and handling
Japanese are able to build fast cars. If the inconceivable occurs, and the talent to make light and swift devices fades away, Honda will always remain. Even the most ordinary liter Civic is always a hot hatchback. What can we say about a 190-horsepower chord. Of the four of our Accord cars, a frank sports-liquefied shell for a groove. Or a wonderful vehicle for always late.
On trifles such as a tangible vibration load of the front of the machine, a weak sound insulation of the doors or frankly front -wheel drive behavior at the slightest overlap with gas in a bend, it is not customary to pay attention here. Just as on strange and sudden holes on, first glance, quite a hard and energy -intensive suspension. Honda only for good roads? For leading in this class of dynamic comfort, I would like more. The Japanese in full accordance with the accelerated dynamics slows down.
But it is amazingly and super -free shooting when necessary. And always has a sharp predictable steering wheel. Well, this is Honda you say. And you will be absolutely right!
Losing to the Japanese in acceleration to a hundred and a half seconds, Opel subjectively accelerated only a little worse. His box also easily and quickly sorting through the gears. The engine instantly and accurately with the expected dose accelerates the car.
Moreover, everything happens noticeably softer and quieter. Partly affects the difference in weight, but to a greater extent good sound and vibration isolation.
In terms of controllability, Vectra is a middle ground between informative (and, therefore, conveying all the nuances of the front wheels) and a comfortable wheel. Opel also reacts to the excess of traction with demolition, but not as pronounced as that of Honda. The brakes were a little alert. Compared to competitors, Opel sometimes demanded to crush them.
In general, all participants in the test described the sled qualities of the vetera quite positively. Hard good.
The most impressive outwardly, Volvo and on the road demonstrates thoroughness and solidity. The faint (stoosorocasial) version of the engine with a volume of 2.4 l honestly and without much strain dispersed the lightest of the tested car. At the same time, silence and calm reign inside the Swedish car. And even impressive irregularity does not particularly worry the hot guy, and this is especially valuable, given the status of possible people in the back seat.
It slows down the S60 is also easy, and steers even even more so. Even too much. If there is a good sense of zero on the highway, then when maneuvering with a low speed, the steering wheel becomes surprisingly light without the slightest feedback. It is possible that the personal driver whose hand is tired of stabbing will please. We guarded us. Although, we repeat, this does not affect speed.
Volvo does not fall into a lesser degree into a turn when excessive traction, and electronics very carefully corrects the driver. Nothing annoying in this car, but it is worth a lot!
The dynamics of the 407th left a double impression. On the one hand, there are no situations when the motor was not enough. The thrust is powerful in the entire range, and the box works perfectly. On the other hand, the gas pedal at the very beginning of the course has a certain sector that is kind of empty. I pressed a little no acceleration. A little more, the pace does not change. A little sweetheart went a little! And I went well! But why at the wrong time?
The best of all described this process Leonid grandfather: you don’t go. You still crush it and she jumps, like a lion .... here to add a little red -up, the speaker would have won a great speaker. Peugeot brakes are as always powerful and with good feedback.
Mindful of Peugeot's cunning pendants with levers ahead and behind and expecting some catch from these unusual schemes, we were happy to noted that in this case, the designers were not in vain on a complication.
The main plus of lever pendants is the unchanging position of the wheel relative to the road with any of its moves in the 407th completely! There is no such pit or a lying policeman who would be able to bring down a French shell from the course. But the most amazing Peugeot suspension is the softest of all. Comfort, comfort and comfort again!
For those who want to tighten the reaction of the machine, there is a button on the beard, switching shock absorbers to sports mode. In this case, no serious touches of the suspension occurs, the taxiing remains almost the same. Only the rolls disappear, and each irregularity begins to surrender to a loud bams in the cabin. Fans of sports settings may like this mode, we appreciated the comfort of the suspension in the standard. At the same time, there is a clear zero on the steering wheel and there are no excessive reverse reactions.
Contrary to my expectations, all those involved in the test unanimously recognized Peugeot the quietest car. Perhaps the expensive version has the best sound insulation. One thing is good on this, the French did not save. By the way, multi -layer side glasses are offered as an option.
Separate attention deserves the branded long nose of the car. Contrary to the expected injury to his high curbs and ice blocks, nothing similar happened. Firstly, because his advanced position still does not go beyond the brink of a reasonable one. And secondly, the bottom of the front bumper, unlike rivals in the test, is a soft and easily separated plastic in Peugeot. It is easy to cling to its place if it jumps away, and it protects the bumper itself from unauthorized effects. All this, however, does not mean that they can be touched by ice throats.
From the point of view of gasoline consumption, the unconditional leader in terms of savings was Volvo. Opel also pleased with moderate appetite, which cannot be said about Honda and Peugeot. However, none of the contestants came out for a mark of 15 liters per hundred intensive movement, which is already good.
All according to merits
Having assessed all the qualities of four cars, comparing them with the price of the issue and trying to be objective, we made the following conclusions.
In the first place in the sum of the impressions, the Volvo S60 car confidently reached the car, the most harmonious, convenient and deprived of any serious miscalculations. The definition of real Swedish quality is quite applicable to it. It is also for this, and also, given the adequate price, that Volvo cars deservedly have persistent fans.
The second, due to the exceptional comfort when moving, ease of control, high level of all safety and bright appearance, the Peugeot 407 should be followed by a congenital charm for a while and, lulling, gently relieve suspicions of the imperfection of the original decisions of this lioness.
The third deservedly announced Honda Accord. Perhaps, she did not allow her to rise above a slightly higher price and genetic samurai sharpness in everything. Although, if without her, then this is no longer Honda.
The literally turned open, to my great unfortunately, I was in last place. And this is despite the fact that he is the cheapest of the four and still has German (read, the best) automobile roots. It's a shame that the impression of an obedient, economical, spacious, in a word of a good car is spoiled, maybe not very serious, but very numerous little things. And in our case, like the investigator, there are no trifles. Literally a dozen minor improvements, and the car in such a comparison would move two or three positions higher.
But we must write about what we see today. Although we hope for the best tomorrow.
text: Evgeny Khapov, photo: Leonid grandfather
 

A source: Cars