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The Volvo S40 offer a nice balance of ride and handling. They’re smooth, with enough power for most drivers. We’d recommend the standard manual transmission for those who can live with it, only because it allows the driver to take maximum advantage of the 168 horsepower in the 2.5i’s five-cylinder engine. But even with the optional five-speed automatic, the 2.4i delivers decent acceleration and similar fuel economy. You’ll just have to mash the gas pedal to the floor and hold it, to make sure the transmission knows it’s time to go. The steering is boosted just right in these cars, with light, distinct and controlled feedback. It feels firm and tight, offering the right amount of resistance. The torque steer often found in front-wheel-drive cars is not apparent in these Volvos, even with the higher-power, turbocharged T5 models.