Volvo must rank as one of the most-improved marques in recent years.

Not too long ago they were affordable, reliable but dull. They were the domain of middle-aged motorists who thought themselves above Fords and Vauxhalls but who couldn't quite stretch to a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

But they improved their standing. First, they made the quality even better. Secondly, they gave their cars a stylish edge. And thirdly they added a sporting touch with successes in the British Touring Car Championships.

Together, these changes mean that the marque appeals just as much to 20-somethings without alienating more mature motorists.

At the heart of rejuvenated Volvo is the big-selling S40 range which somehow manages to rival BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, whilst also giving sportier Ford Focuses and Vauxhall Astras a run for their money.

Critics say it's expensive (it is), cramped (well, some of its rivals are a tad more spacious) and over-firm (not at all!) but in fact the S40 is a very tempting, well-built and pretty stylish car. It certainly compares well on most fronts to its German rivals.

The S40 is the smallest of Volvo's three saloons, which also include S60 and S80. All have a similar stance and, in fact, it's very difficult to tell the S40 and S60 apart.

The S40 is based on a Ford Focus chassis, which is an exceptionally highly rated car, but the S40 feels like a much bigger model. Good road composure, ride comfort, and handling have been enriched by two five-cylinder petrol engines, of 2.4 and 2.5-litre size, and a snappy 2.0-litre diesel. There's 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol units, of course, and a 1.6-litre diesel.

The test version is powered by a sensible 1.8 litre unit which nevertheless manages 60mph in un-der 11 seconds, and is both flexible and frugal.

The S40, like all Swedish cars, is very driver oriented. The cabin is, in fact, probably the best feature of the car. It is crisp, solid and modern, yet classy and under-stated.

Keeping the untidiness down even further is an array of storage compartments, and the S40 boasts a fair-sized boot - of around 400 litres basic capacity, with the split and folding rear seats boosting that when required.

This very fine, four-door saloon lays fair claim to being a five-seater, although leg room for rear-placed adults is no better than av-erage for a medium-sized motor.

Volvo prioritises the safety of its occupants and is up to the standard of the much larger S80 range. Whiplash protection, side impact protection, and inflatable curtain are just some of the fea-tures which mean peace of mind. A look at the Volvo spec sheet shows very little difference between starter S, Sport, SE and SE Sport trims, so all S40s come very well equipped.

With the SE came the information centre, powered driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers and leather upholstery, building on excellent basics such as an exterior temperature gauge, cruise control and four powered windows.

PRICE: £18,255. What Car? say you could get it for £16,804 ENGINE: A 1.8 litre unit generating 123bhp PERFORMANCE: Top 124mph, 0 to 60mph in 10.9 seconds COSTS: 39.2mpg average WARRANTY: Three years or 60,000 miles warranty INSURANCE: Group 9