[Tannaton]

I have both an XC90 and a V40.... the XC90 has now 180k on it and the V40 is doing 100 miles a day.

So straight to your questions:

V40 plus points:

- Very comfortable, especially Volvo seats
- Has new Volvo dash and sensus system which is very logical and easy to live with, my V40 is almost the same in that respect as my last XC60.
- No major mechanical weaknesses
- Very safe
- Luggage space not too bad

V40 issues:
- Rear seat passenger room limited
- Rear visibility quite poor (get parking sensors)
- Can be a harsh ride (probably better on the CC model with longer suspension travel)

If you are looking at early ones, the SE Lux is best spec as you get Xenon headlights (very good) and the nicer instruments. Check also it has a DAB radio if that is important to you - it was an option in the early years. Sat NAV desirable from a resale point of view.

Whilst the D2 isn't a bad engine - I went for a D3 which is a 2.0 version of the old D5. More refined and much more power for a relatively minor drop in MPG (get 55 in the motorway).

You wont be disappointed...