CRATOS

Test drove the T5 today and probably liked it better than the TSX. Even though it's Ford-ish, I liked the styling better than TSX. Pricewise, it's right in the same ballpark. Anyone else tried and S40 T5? I know nothing about it really other than it's new and it's a Volvo. The problem is, can I see myself in a Volvo?!

Teh DeSeRT Rat

does the S40 come in manual, if not B7 hands down

Dano_SL

I test drove a V70 before I bought my Avant. The interior was the biggest reason for going with Audi. The leather in the Volvo felt like plastic.

Bob Loblaw

Big step forward from previous MY S40, but I'd still hit the B7 first

quattroED

B7.

CRATOS

Agreed. Overall the interior was not as nice.

LunarDDS

The S40 is a bit squatty for my tastes...looks like a toy

Spacecadet_CC

I had just finished with a 2000 MkIV Jetta (pre-turbo, unfortunately). Basically I had ruled out TSX earlier due to cheapy feeling and decent but uninspired design. TL is a better choice, but still not what I was looking for. BMW 3-series, while I LOVE the super-short overhang, I hate the interior - again - not up to the standards of a near-premium car. The new S40 was the only real contender against the A4. Or so I thought. The main thing I liked about the car is that it felt solid - like the Audis or VWs. Closing a door feels GOOD. I was testing a pretty-much maxed out T5 with AWD and body kit. Drive was good - turbo takes longer to kick in, so even though it has more HP, it didn't feel too far off the A4. Plus I disliked the long lag-time for turbo kick. The interior is a great attempt. Volvo is trying. I like it a lot, but it still doesn't have the same feel as the A4. At least they use real aluminum as opposed to cheap plastic like the Mazda6. The car just didn't feel aggressive, or look agressive. The swedespeed forum is really good, but filled with guys whose wives own/use the car. It seems like a likable car, just not a 'cool' car. Actually, my impression is that it is a competitor to a Jetta, not an A4 (despite Volvo trying to claim that it is the opposite). Finally - the price. The final ticket on the S40 was more expensive than the A4, plus at a crappier lease rate (this was Oct 04 - with B7 the rates are probably higher now). I figured this car would - SHOULD - total out at CAN$ 38-39K but it was $48K (my A4 was $46K). Good car, just not great and not worth the price, IMO.
Good hunting (but stay with Audi)!

CRATOS

Thanks for the input. After considerable thought, I still have to put it behind the A4 overall. Now, I'm just waiting to drive a B7 A4 (and a Subaru Legacy GT) before I make up my mind. Pretty sure I wouldn't pick a Legacy over an A4, but I need to rule it out anyway.