If there’s been a problem with Volvos in recent years, it’s that the price of admission has been too steep for many working folks. Yes, ivory tower types with tweed coats and leather elbow patches could afford them and appreciated the unique features found in every Volvo. But now, with the 2005 Volvo S40, there’s a Volvo for the rest of us. Prices: US $22,990 base; as tested, $26,365. Warranty :4 years/50,000 miles.

First Glance

The 2005 Volvo S40 looks like a Volvo, even at first glance, but there’s something different here. It’s been softened from every angle. The rear doesn’t quite peak with those almost-tailfins of 2004 models. The front is sleeker, more curvey, with the stated purpose of saving lives should a pedestrian be hit. It’s taller, wider and shorter than its predecessors. If you think back to the boxy Volvos of not so long ago and then mentally morph them to this one, you would see a progression of curves being added, angles being sharpened and now the new shape melting over the frame with its four types of steel. The 2005 Volvo S40 is definitely good looking, a design aimed to appeal to the „Fast and Furious” set as they move up in the world and need more prestigious transportation than an Accord with coffee-can exhausts. Four doors; proper bar door handles outside. Open a door and note the easy entry. No head-bumping, at least in front. The seats are attractive and not ostentatious. Our tester was a European model with a five-speed manual transmission, to be introduced in the United States in the summer of 2004. There’s a sporty three-spoke steering wheel but the instruments lack contrast and are difficult to read quickly at a glance.

In the Driver’s Seat

Take a good look at the „key” for the 2005 Volvo S40. It’s a remote control fob, but with a difference. Audi and Jaguar, among others, use fobs similar to this, but the key pops out like a switchblade knife when a button is pressed. That makes it easier to carry the remote in pocket or purse. Think about carrying this one in your pants pocket. You’ll be careful how you sit lest you jab that permament plastic protrusion into a needed body part. This key doesn’t fold. It just .. juts. And it’s plastic, like much of the Volvo S40 interior. Question: Will that plastic key eventually snap off from the repeated twisting needed to start the car? Now as if the key weren’t bad enough, Volvo hid the ignition switch on the dash almost directly behind the windshield wiper stalk. It is virtually impossible to insert the key without the right hand striking the stalk. Using this fob also means you might press one of its buttons while twisting it to start the car. Plus, the trunk button does not „pop” the trunk. It merely unlocks it. You must release and raise the trunk deck. And exiting the S40 requires two pulls on the interior door handle to release its lock. Takes some getting used to.

On the Road

Our tester was a base 2.4i, with a five-cylinder engine producing 168 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The five-speed manual was very easy to use, but Volvo expects an automatic transmission to the first choice of most buyers. With the manual, expect fuel mileage of about 22 city and 31 highway. The 2005 Volvo S40 is quiet, comfortable and competent on the road. It has a sporty nature, and Volvo has said it wants this car to compete with the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series. But safety is what sets Volvo apart. For a base model under $23,000, a buyer gets front and side air bags, full-length side head curtains, anti-lock brakes with electronic controls, whiplash-protection seats, a collapsible steering column, protection against engine intrusion, and a body cage constructed of four varying steel types, to assure the most protective collapse and crush. Special attention has been paid to rear-end and side impact accidents. Volvo takes second seat to no manufacturer in protecting those inside its vehicles. The sure braking and certain handling contribute to safety, as well. At night, optional bi-Xenon headlights, with projector beams to create halos, are simply first-rate. You see ā€“ and you are seen!

Journey’s End

It’s impressive in these beginning stages of inflation that the 2005 Volvo S40 is less expensive than the 2004 model it replaces. And this is a real makeover. In the past, a Mitsubishi platform was beneath an S40. This year, it’s a Mazda 3 platform, also used for the Ford Focus in Europe. Ford owns Volvo now, and, to its credit, has not neutered it as GM is doing with its acquisitions. Not only is the 2005 Volvo S40 one of the safest cars at any price, but it leads the way with some better ideas. One is the superb organization of the center console, designed to resemble a cell phone or digital camera. It’s so good that a driver quickly learns to use it by touch alone ā€“ very desirable since eyes are not taken off the road. It is light years more functional than the difficult one-screen-does-all nonsense in its German competitors. Those halo-producing projector beam headlights also might be a better idea, but take note, Volvo: I got „flashed” by an older driver who thought I had the high beams on. Little did he know how bright „high” is on this Volvo. Bottom line: Tops in safety at this price, excellent fuel efficiency, earth-friendly, and all of this with little compromise in sport or comfort.