Volvo V40

Volvo prides itself on good ergonomics, placing all controls carefully around the driver to aid safety. But, while everything in the V40 is within easy reach, the design is sorely out of date. The centre console has way too many (over 40) buttons, which all look the same and are too small to hit easily at a glance. The way the infotainment system works will also have you scratching your head, because the menus, and the controls you use to scroll through them, are pretty confusing, while the 5.0-inch screen is small and disappointingly low-definition. The small back window means your rear visibility could be better, too, but you’ll have no complaints about the driving position or the amount of adjustment provided to let you fine-tune it. The seats deserve a special mention for being some of the most comfortable and supportive in the business. Interior quality is strong, too, with plush materials and solid assembly, which does no harm to this car’s premium aspirations.