ROAD TESTS Autocar Road Test: Volvo V40 D3

I'm getting tired of Autocar downscoring some cars after excellent initial (and many other puiblications) reviews just to not top Ford products. This Volvo V40, the Peugeot 508 and 208 are other fine examples of what I'm saying.

The Focus over the 1er, Alfa and Volvo? Pathetic

I agree with your comments on the Volvo, but not so sure about the 208.

Who in their right mind would choose a Ford over a Volvo? I know! Those wankers from Autocar of course!

I think there's more difference between the Ford and Volvo than a VW and Audi, for example. My point is how they manage to put a run of the mill, similary priced Ford over Bimmers, Volvos and least extend Alfa, is ridiculous. I also have fond memories how Autocar liked very much the Pug 508 on many initial reviews and the downscored in order to not to top the Ford Mondeo.
There's is a night and day difference in quality between them, which is understable as the Mondeo is quite an old car, but Autocar seems to love it

Regards!

And ironically so many want to spend more on an MQB platform with Audi badge when they can have the same for much less with VW badge, when again they can have the same for much less with Seat badge.

And then even less by Skoda. LOL

Off topic: I udnerstand why that Golf is the best in class. I had one for 3 days now as a rental. What a great car!! The Volvo and the others have a lot to do, to beat that one.

I think we should all just be happy that Volvo has produced a world-class car after years of uncertainty and financial instabilty, and not care about what the prejudiced wankers at Autocar think And according to Autoexpress Tumbo it can do just that. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volvo/v40/59454/volvo-v40-vs-rivals

Volvo is aiming to turn the tide in the family hatch class with its new V40. We test it against its key rivals

Is Volvo sailing into choppy waters? After more than 15 years, the company is returning to the fiercely fought family hatch class with its all-new V40.
The car is being billed as the manufacturer’s most important model in 20 years, and expectations are sky-high. Yet with upmarket rivals like the BMW 1 Series already established and new versions of the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class on the horizon, the V40 will need to be very accomplished to succeed.
Fortunately, the D2 version – which is expected to make up the majority of UK sales – looks very promising on paper, thanks to its stunning design, generous standard equipment and class-leading CO2 emissions of only 94g/km.
Facing the V40 is BMW’s 116d EfficientDynamics. It’s already been crowned Compact Family Car of the Year at our New Car Awards 2012, due to its blend of a premium badge, sharp handling, decent space and low running costs. And no family hatch test would be complete without the VW Golf. In eco-friendly BlueMotion trim, this car represents a very stern test for any class newcomer.
Verdict

Each of these cars shone in its own way during this test, and the final result was far from certain. In the end, it came right down to the wire, but the BMW just manages to keep its place at the top.
Volvo should take heart, though, as the V40 is the best car it has made in years and was very close to snatching victory. It’s set apart by its quirky, stylish cabin and svelte exterior, while quality is right up there with the very best.
It also offers unrivalled safety technology and is at its best on long trips, where its relaxed character, well equipped interior and brilliant seats come to the fore. It falls just short of the 1 Series due to its small boot and slightly less involving driving experience; the BMW is still the number one choice for keen drivers.
So the Golf brings up the rear. It remains an incredibly accomplished package in many ways, but it’s starting to show its age now.
Winner: BMW 116d ED ★★★★★
Driving thrills and superb economy rarely go hand-in-hand, but the BMW 116d ED delivers both in a classy and understated fashion. Costly options make it the most expensive car here, but it also has the best residuals and lowest running costs, plus its interior is surprisingly practical.
2nd: Volvo V40 ★★★★
The V40 and 1 Series were so closely matched that it feels unfair to place the Volvo second. It’s stylish, well built and good to drive, while the cabin is one of the best in the business. If it had just a little more dynamic sparkle and slightly lower running costs, it would have triumphed.
3rd: Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion ★★★★
The Golf BlueMotion has been winning road tests for years, and it took two excellent rivals to finally push it off the top. It’s comfortable, refined and the cheapest car here to run, but finished third due to its blunted performance and poor level of standard equipment.