Do you mean the previous-generation S40 with the boot, or the new Focus-based V40?

Only driven a manual V40 D4 (with the 5-cylinder 170bhp diesel) and it was a good car. Tidy handling, very grunty engine, nice interior.

My only reservation about it was the throttle pedal was a bit of an on/off switch, the first centimetre or so of pedal movement did hardly anything and then it suddenly took off like a scalded cat. Perhaps it was peculiar to the car I drove, as my own V60 with the same engine didn't behave like that.

Hi Scott,

I had a 2007 2.0D SE S40 manual for just under 4 years. Loved it. I only sold it because I was coming down from 3 cars to 2 cars and needed an automatic so my wife could use the 'main car'

Handling was good, with proper weight and feel to the steering. Ride was generally good, and especially good on the motorway. Premium cabin, nice materials with good build quality.

Rear seat and boot space are below par, so make sure you can live with it.

As an ex C30 owner, you'll know all about lack of space! The two cars will feel very similar, with the S40's extra weight providing a more planted feel.

The auto gearbox in the 2.0D/D3/D4 was a "powershift", a version of Ford's twin clutch auto box. I'm not aware of any reliability problems on these.

The auto gearbox in the 2.4i/T5 was a torque converter box known as 'geartronic'. These are very smooth and suit the engines well.

Finally, all diesel models after 2008 have the DPF, so if you are a short journey/low mileage motorist, avoid.

The petrol 1.6/1.8/2.0 engines are not popular and not that economical either. I tried a 2.0 petrol and was very disappointed. If you can afford the 5 cylinder 2.4i or T5, then these are great engines, and many came with an automatic gearbox.