Schick forbid!

If you sue, the S40 does not have the hypnotic appeal, which have its German rivals (at least as indicated by the Swedes). The acquisition of Volvo unlikely anyone will call to life, as opposed to buying the same BMW or Mercedes-Benz. To achieve the status of a "magical coveted" takes decades advanced and reliable technical solutions, sports victories, good taste and correct marketing. One or two models, no matter how good they were, did not oboytis.Poetomu "three rubles" and "tseshku" boldly crossed out. They are unlikely to yield to S40, and if will lose, then a little bit, which does not affect the confidence in the correctness of their prospective owners, and just fans. Lexus? He is elected primarily for reliability, and no criticism is not going to work. But, by the way, this question is generally removed from the agenda: a model of IS in Russia is not officially imported. "Grey" three-year plan from Canada - please. Maybe, Saab 9-3? Also unlikely. Two Swedish brands co-exist peacefully for many years, each of them - has its own clientele, "intersect" relatively rare. Why would it change the dynamic eccentricity on saabovskuyu volvovsky cozy space? Is that under the weight of his age. That's one. Secondly, a hypothetical victory over the Saab 9-3 will not meet: the first S40 confidently 900 mu. Where progress is that? Duel with Audi A4 seems most reasonable. "Quartet" - a great, prestigious car brands advanced, moreover, deprived of the hopeless cult, which prevents to make an objective opinion about it. Unfortunately, we were not able to get the version with the 2.4-liter engine, which could be a decent pair of 170-strong S40. But the actual levels will enable us to compare brands and a modest 1.6-liter A4. Perhaps it is even better because it is simple machines - the most "honest". Yes, and we inherited wealth S40 option does not shine. And in fairness to the comparison table we give the technical characteristics of Audi A4 2.4 with the "automatic" (or rather, with the CVT, as these "machines" on the 170-strong A4 is not put.) Finance. At the most accessible Volvo S40 2.4 (140 hp) installed in the 29 price $ 400. Version 2.4i (170 hp) costs of 31 900 dollars. "Automatic" adds to this figure in 1550 dollars. After a few months there will be cars more cheaply, with volumes of 1.6-2.0 liter engines. Audi significantly more expensive: prices start from 27 400 dollars, and it's 1.6-liter version (101 hp), but with decent standard equipment. Starting price on the 170-strong A4 2.4 V6 - 42 130 dollars with six "mechanics" and 43 290 dollars to get some variatorom.Volvo odds: it is a "brand-new", but slowly aging A4 autumn waiting for restyling. Nevertheless, the age difference is hardly perceptible. Both vehicles - are typical representatives of corporate identity. S40 looks bigger and stronger, though in reality, "four" eight inches long. Less relief Audi simpler design, but izyskannee.Esli judge the quality of build-to-work locks, then preference should be given to Volvo: the doors are closed in Japanese easily and quietly. Inside the S40 does not produce such a strong impression as the Audi. Hard plastic light, "bald" front panel, even the famous "cobra" in the center console versions of the base is painted unpretentious "silver". Meanwhile, it is a center console - the main highlight of the car. Piece of art, a piece of art! An exceptionally showy and clever placement of buttons and knobs, amusing graphics display. Beautiful! Only the material should be different: for example, simulating a tree or even transparent, called the Swedish ice aqua (frozen water). Fortunately, in all these options have yet nalichestvuet.A S40 excellent in all respects, the steering wheel and ignition switch, fashionable handed down to the front panel. Current instruments and decorated with two dials and integrated them into secondary indexes. But why do it outside the control stick a light fine, even with the huge moves? Worse on purpose you can imagine! Ergonomics Audi A4 perfect. You can only find fault with a low-lying unit temperature control, but also in the S40 picture is the same. And so - with a comfortable chair profile, adequate range of adjustments, clear buttons. Interior design - no sights, which, however, is compensated by its prosperity. Soft plastics, along with polished chrome accents and neat decor pleasing hands and eyes. And all of this - not the most expensive equipment! Volvo front seats, too bad, but the Audi they win only in the shoulder support. The rear seat is less than hospitable: flat, without lateral support. But in the second row of seats Audi almost as comfortable as the first. However, this does not solve the problem of crowding: a two car rear passengers can hardly attach legs. And trying to take a more upright position, you can prop up and benevolent potolok.Bagazhniki also not impressive. In capacity, they seem to be nothing but openings configured not the best way. S40 again worse protruding taillights and a short lid does not allow the use of the cargo bay to its full width and glub.Pyatitsilindrovy engine Volvo - now an A student: responsive, flexible enough, "torsion" "top". The machine is removed from the site with ease, quickly transferred to a range of triple-digit speeds. Alas, the corporate "machine" Geartronic is not as refined. In quiet mode on it to complain about, but should go active ... His adaptability differs excessive enthusiasm - gravity suddenly replaced by nervousness. Geartronic is taken to change gear when necessary and do not have a sharp and a little predictable. Manual - also not so hot: too big lag in the reactions of the box on the driver's commands. Although one plus is still there. Upon reaching the limit speed motor "hangs" in the red zone - Geartronic did not switch on. When cornering, this battle is essentially feature vazhnoy.Estestvenno, 1.6-liter A4 for the 2.4-liter S40 not keep up. Therefore, the dynamics of the booster say we will not. Proceed directly to the brakes. The Audi drive they please transparent and intuitive operation. At Volvo, there is one feature - a significant free pedal. True, it draws attention to itself only against the background of Audi.Rulyatsya both machines perfectly. But in many ways. S40 sharper, reckless, less heel. Oversteer "Quartet" is closer to neutral, turning in the car more stable, more "dense" reactive force on the handlebars, especially in near-zero area, the characteristic changes in its informative. Thanks to precise suspension tuning Audi is perceived as "collected" solid car, Volvo is playful, energetic. A4 - experience, S40 - molodost.S smoothness and in fact, and in another case - a full order. S40 perfectly copes with small irregularities, A4 corresponds to a large extent of the potholes. Still, for ride comfort Audi wins: the decisive argument in its favor is an excellent noise isolation. Inside, "the forty" clearly listened and the sound of engine and road shumy.Itak, Volvo new "premium"-era is not defeated junior representative of the German "luxury-three." And count on a blitz victory should not have. But if we compare the old S40 with the previous A4 was simply incorrect, then this distance is now reduced to a minimum. We are dealing with a rapidly evolving product that conducted a qualitative leap forward in many directions. Whether he deserves the prefix "premium"? I would say that the S40 on the verge of an elite club. To obtain a cherished membership card machine in addition to acquired polish needed chic: a feeling of luxury in the cabin, the noble harmony style. Makings of a leader who has S40 - it does not follow the canons, and she is ready to set standards. And in general, make sure Volvo is on the way to enhance their status - a way that is almost the same as Audi had passed. And the Germans will be an unforgivable mistake ignoring the ambition and success of the northern neighbor. Seven years of commercials balance of forces can be transformed beyond recognition.