Just some observations. Comments welcome.

I own a 2000 s40, and recently while at the dealership getting a new key programmed ($150.00 ouch!) I had a chance to test drive an 05 S40. Here are a list of my rants and raves....

First of all it was non turbo, 2wd

Raves....

* Beautiful looking car, all the right lines in the right places.
* Engine had a wonderful snarl to it that my 4cyl turbo does not have.
* Sound system was above and beyond earlier models.
* Handling improvements were obvious.
* The BEST Manumatic I have ever driven. Shifted smooth as a babys bottom. (Audi A4 felt like a driver with his learners permit driving a stick for the first time)
*Very comfortable seats.

Rants.....

* Even though a non turbo, power was comparable on paper, but seat of the pants felt very sluggish. Smooth, but sluggish.
* Visibility out of the rear window has unfortunatly become even less.
* Dashboard (excluding new center unit) was bland at best.
* Engine compartment has taken on the look of a less expensive car, say...... a Focus. Where's the cool plastic panels hiding all
the boring stuff?
* Interior also seems to have suffered. Panels are now hard plastic and cold. Colors are bland and accent colors are too close to base colors which add to the boredom. Feels like a Focus again.


Maybe I'm just a little prejudice, but my 2000 feels like its was worth $30,000 new. Soft door panels and dash, wood grain accents don't look like an after thought, hardly any plastic to be found. A cozy setting that makes you wish for a road trip.

Granted the new S40 is a technological improvement over the old. Safer, more efficient, more up to date. But I would feel foolish paying $30,000 to $40,000 for one. Now the S60.......... Thats a whole different story.