New Volvo S40 And XC90 Win Auto Express New Car Honours 2004

• Compact Executive class - Volvo S40 beats BMW 3 Series & Jaguar X-TYPE
• 4x4 Off-Roader class - Volvo XC90 beats BMW X5 and Range Rover

Two of Volvo's latest models beat tough competition to win both the 'Compact Executive' and '4x4 Off-Roader' classes in Auto Express magazine's New Car Honours 2004, published in its issue of 28 July.

Auto Express has put the all-new Volvo S40 saloon straight to the top of the 'Compact Executive' class in its New Car Honours 2004 awards, leaving the BMW 3 Series and Jaguar X-TYPE commended as runners up. In addition, for the second year in succession, the Volvo XC90 won the 4x4/Off-Roader class, beating the BMW X5 and Range Rover.

According to Auto Express, the new S40 is, "…Volvo's best small saloon ever", with build quality that is, "a match for the best of the Germans".

Auto Express also said: "… the S40 is a fine driver's car. There's little body roll through corners, turn-in is good and there's fun to be had on back roads.

When you consider all these facets with the sharp styling and an image that's going from strength to strength, it's clear the S40 is a deserving winner".

In the 4x4 Off-Roader class, Auto Express described the XC90 as "the best there is" in the large 4x4 sector and said: "…there simply isn't another car with as many neat touches or intelligent design features".

Commenting on these prestigious awards, Hugh Reid, managing director of Volvo Car UK said: "We are particularly proud to see the new Volvo S40 saloon win its first prestigious award so soon after its launch and over such a significant and popular rival as the BMW 3 Series. This, and the XC90's successive victory, is further recognition of the design and desirability of Volvo's latest models."