Volvo S40 is First Produced

Volvo Cars introduced the first generation Volvo S40 (Saloon) and V40 (Versatility/estate) compact executive cars in 1995. The second generation arrived in 2004, where the new V50 station wagon replaced the V40.

In the summer of 1995 Volvo released the S4/V4 series but had to change the model's name as it conflicted with Audi who had already reserved the "S4" name. The quickly renamed S40 saloon (sedan) and V40 estate (station wagon), manufactured at the NedCar factory in Holland (a pre-Ford joint venture between Volvo and Mitsubishi Motors) and based on a common platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma. The V40, with Drag coefficient of 0.32, was the first whole model to be introduced under the direction of the British designer Peter Horbury, Volvo’s Design Director, and was marketed in Australia, North and South America, and the Far East. The V40 was named the ‘Most Beautiful Estate Car in the World’ at an Italian award ceremony.
In 2001 Volvo updated the 40 Series ("Phase II"), implementing a number of technical improvements, e.g., improved engine management, direct (diesel) fuel injection, extra safety features, larger brake discs, new front suspension and steering, revised rear suspension, larger tires and a widening of the track width. A minor facelift gave larger headlights, more streamlining and larger rear light clusters as well as minor instruments and fascia re-design.
The 40 Series cars were equipped with four-cylinder engines, such as a 1.9 turbo diesel or 1.6 (1588 cc), 1.8 (1731 cc), 2.0T (1948 cc), 1.9 T4 (1855 cc) or 2.0 (1948 cc) fuel-injected gasoline engines all of which are derivatives of the modular whiteblock engine series that started life in the Volvo 960 and carried in both 5 and 6 cyl formats in Volvo's bigger FWD cars. There was also a 1.8 L (1834 cc) Gasoline direct injection engine provided by Mitsubishi as part of the platform sharing between the 40 series and the Carisma.
The low (2.0T) and high (1.9 T4) pressure turbo variants a...

German car companies have long been the dominant players in the compact sport sedan market. The Volvo S40, introduced to the North American market in 2000, was the Swedish brand's first stab at stealing some market share. Though it had its shortcomings, the S40 was a decent small sedan that helped redefine Volvo's image. Instead of the standard boxy shape once associated with Volvos, the S40 had a sleeker silhouette and was relatively fun to drive.

Volvo released the improved second-generation S40 midway through 2004. Styling is sportier and more refined, as are the car's ride and handling dynamics. Additionally, there are now two engine choices, including a 218-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder. Though it still doesn't have the prestige or athleticism of its German competition, the latest Volvo S40 costs less and still offers plenty of refinement, comfort and style.

Current Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 compact sport sedan is available in three trim levels. The front-wheel-drive 2.4i trim comes with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, while those looking for a sportier drive should take a look at the T5 R-Design or T5 R-Design AWD trim, which is powered by a turbocharged 227-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder. A five-speed automatic is mandatory for all S40 models, and front-wheel drive is standard on all but the T5 R-Design AWD.

Standard features include alloy wheels, a telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, a sunroof, Bluetooth and a six-CD changer with satellite radio. The T5 and T5 AWD models are decked out with sporty "R-Design" exterior and interior styling cues. Leather seating, premium Dolby ProLogic audio, a navigation system and a Sport package are just some of the optional luxury features that Volvo offers. Inside the S40, the seats, dash and panels look upscale and classy, and the ultra-slim center stack design makes a fashion statement while adding to the car's functionality. The driving position is snug and comfortable, but adult...

The Volvo S40 continues to enhance Volvo's reputation as a maker of superb sports sedans. For 2010 the S40 2.4i and T5 AWD include a standard six-speed manual transmission and available five-speed Geartronic automatic. The T5 FWD continues to include a five-speed auto.
The Volvo S40 is a sporty front-wheel or all-wheel drive four-door sedan. The front-wheel drive 2.4i has a 168-hp 2.4-liter inline-five-cylinder engine. The front-wheel or all-wheel drive T5 is powered by a 227-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine. Safety features include electronic stability control, side-impact and side curtain airbags, and all-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. The S40 includes Bluetooth in standard equipment and the T5 is only available with the unique R-Design package, enhancing appearance and comfort.
The 2010 Volvo S40 is mainly a carryover from 2009, with the addition of a manual transmission.

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. Broad haunches and convex side panels signal power and underscore the car's compact dimensions.

The sporty and prestigious front has elements from the Volvo S80 and V70. The grille has a deep mesh pattern. The surrounding chrome mouldings help to emphasise the premium image.

The headlamps are the same on the S40 and the V50 models and come in three different versions:
Halogen
Dual Xenon
Active Bending

The Active Bending headlamps rotate together with the steering wheel for optimal lighting when driving on winding roads. The tail lamps follow Volvo's modern form.

The lower door mouldings and the sill mouldings enhance the sporty character of the car. In addition to standard black they can be painted in the same colour as the car's body. To protect the painted sill mouldings they are combined with small mud flaps behind the front wheels. The lower sections of the front and rear spoiler are also available in black or in the colour co-ordinated version. The T5 and D5 models always come with colour co-ordinated mouldings and spoilers as standard (European version).

The Volvo S40 1.6D DRIVe models have a number of unique aerodynamic design elements that, beside optimising airflow and lowering fuel consumption (and reducing CO2 emissions), visualise the entire DRIVe philosophy. The S40 1.6D DRIVe comes with an aluminium wheel, Libra, in two different sizes, 15" or 16". In addition, the front spoiler and the spoiler on the boot lid come from the Volvo S40 T5 and D5 models.

As an option, the front side windows can be given an extra water repellent coating. The treatment means that water blows off the glass more easily, improving visibility during rain.

An Auto-fold function is availabl...