The current generation of the Volvo S40 has taken a visual step closer to the Volvo S80 - giving customers large-car properties in a compact format and with clearly sporty overtones.
EXTERIOR
Broad, low stance
The Volvo S40 has a compact body with rounded lines and a clean-cut tail section. The car's appearance exudes modern design and speed. The short bonnet and pronounced cab-forward stance help create a spacious cabin with generous interior space. The broad shoulders and convex side panels radiate power and emphasise the car's compact dimensions.
The colour-coordinated soft nose creates a broad, low stance thanks to its grille with the enlarged Volvo iron mark, headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire front.
The low, horizontal impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the tail lamps and the bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance.
Exterior colours
The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo S40:
INTERIOR
Flexible interior with iconic centre stack
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo S40 offers a spacious and flexible interior. The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality. The Volvo S40 was the first model featuring Volvo's ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with an illuminated storage compartment at the rear.
The iconic centre stack is available in several decor versions such as with Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.
The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver.
New contrasting leather combination
The upholstery range has been expanded over the years both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer-grained leather.
The range now includes a new contrasting leather option with black seat sides, white backrest and orange stitching.
Audio and information
The Volvo S40 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. By connecting Volvo's Bluetooth device to the car's audio system and a Bluetooth-compatible cellular telephone, easy and practical hands-free phoning is made possible.
Cars with Volvo On Call now have the option of activating the cabin heater remotely via SMS text messaging.
The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.
CHASSIS
Well-balanced and controlled driving
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track together with a very rigid body contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.
DSTC standard
Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.
DRIVELINE
Transverse engines
The engines in the Volvo S40 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available.
T5 with 230 hp
The Volvo S40 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
There are also other petrol engine versions available, as well as a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets from late 2010.
New 2-litre diesel
The new five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption.
The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.
In the Volvo S40 the new 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:
Both the new D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards.
All the variants of the new two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.
D2 with 114 g CO2 emissions
The S40 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EU Combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
DRIVe with 104 g CO2 emissions
The DRIVe version of the 1.6-litre diesel has a Start/Stop function, lowering fuel consumption to 3.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions levels to 104g/km. The engine delivers 109 hp.
The Start/Stop function shuts off the engine when the car is standing still and the driver releases the clutch and puts the gear lever into neutral. As soon as the driver presses the clutch again the engine restarts. The Start/Stop function reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4-5% (in mixed driving conditions). In urban traffic, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 8%.
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
IDIS promotes safer driving
Volvo Cars has developed various information systems and features designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.
Some other preventive safety features that will support the driver in different ways are; Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Adaptive brake light, Dual Xenon lights as well as Active Bending lights (ABL) and water-repellent front side windows.
Systematic safety approach
Protective safety in the Volvo S40 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety functions that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.
The body of the Volvo S40 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.
Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.
The interior safety features aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Car Corporation has developed a number of in-house systems and features such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain).
All are fitted as standard in the Volvo S40. What is more, all five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints.
