 |
| Photo
Gallery |
 |
|
|
|
| Review |
|
|
Introduction |
|
On 25 October 2003 no less than 32 people from a small Swedish village buy the same car. The new Volvo S40 wrappes class-leading safety and dynamic driving in a stunning design. A reason for us to test the Dalarö mystery.
In order to make it easier to decide to buy this car, Volvo offers the opportunity as well next to the standard version to select three
extra equipped versions: Elan, Elite and Exclusive.
The Elan has next to the standard equipement a leather-clad steering wheel and gear-lever knob as well as a central arm support in the back.
The Elite version is completed with rain sensor, cruise control and a multi-functional steering wheel. Finally there is also the Exclusive
version. The difference with the other versions is e.g. the leather seats. This test was made with a S40 2.0 D Elite which was equipped
with the Sportpack and the wingspoiler.
|
|
Chassis |
|
|
In every way the S40 cannot be denied as a Volvo. Considering its soft contours, soberly design, the car is Swedish to a tee.
The design of the new S40 matches completely the line of Volvo's S60 and S80. There is the same roofline and the typical light blocks
at the back. The S40 is a very compact car, that is almost 5 centimeter shorter. The roofline climbs higher and the wheelbase measures
about 8 cm more. The outside mirrors can fold in electrically and are now provided with indicators and the more expensive versions
are even equipped with surrounding lighting.
|
|
Interior |
|
The interior of the S40 is simple and convenient. The real showpiece is undoubtedly the free centre console, where all operating functions
such as airco and radio are integrated. The powerful airconditioning can be adjusted seperately for the driver and for the front passenger.
The standard audio system includes a RDS-radio with CD-player and has 4 speakers. For those who still want more, there also the High
Performance and the Premium Sound-System.
From the Elite the S40 has a steering wheel with integrated remote control
for the radio. The Elite version offers moreover cruise control, an inside
mirror that dips automatically, a rain sensor and a board computer. The well
enclosed seats belong to the most comfortable ones
in this segment. However the S40 is a compact car and you see that inside
considering the restricted knee space in the back. On the other hand the boot
has a considerable size and can also be enlarged by pulling down the back seat.
|
|
Engine & Performance
|
|
The engine is a 2 liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which is completely made from aluminium with direct injection. It has 136 bhp,
which fits perfectly with the dynamic driving qualities of the Volvo S40. The very newest diesel technology provides a quick response,
a minimal emission and a maximum economy. The high torque of 320 Nm is available from only 2000 rpm. The low motor weight adds to a
low fuel consumption. This diesel engine is available with a flexible and precise 6-speed manual gearbox.
|
|
Fuel
Consumption
|
|
|
It is surprising that Volvo succeeded in limiting the fuel consumption of the S40 2.0 D. During the test drive we noticed a general fuel
consumption of 7,2 liter per 100 km. For a definite sporty driving style the average rose to 7,8 liter. Volvo itself indicates an average
of 5,6 liter. This diesel motor has an optimal performance and keeps the emission of harmful substances low. During 2004 a special
particular filter will come onto the market.
|
|
Driving
|
|
The front wheel suspension is conductive to a fast and precise steering and allows a relaxed driving on straight as well as on winding roads.
It's true that the S40 has become shorter, but also 5 cm wider. For that reason the wheels are widen out and more on the hooks, which
improves the stability. In extreme situations you feel a light understeer tendency where the front wheels look out for the outside of the
curve. You also get retailer-installed power assistance for parking in tight places.
The new Volvo S40 has extremely powerful ABS brakes and the braking power is electronically divided over the rear wheels. The braking system
is also equipped with Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA). When the brake pedal is not thread in hard enough, EBA has immediately effect and
supplies the brake power needed to stop the car as soon as possible.
|
|
Comfort
|
|
The new Volvo S40 has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, but it can not be defined as a master in space. The interior at the back is
very tight, but sits cosily thanks to the comfortable seats and back support. The motor noise is well repressed, as well as driving noises
and whispering of the wind.
Volvo feels obliged to itself to pay very much attention to passive safety such as crumple zones for frontal collissions, the SIPS-system
against sidelong impact and the WHIPS-system against neck injuries for crashes at the rear. Once again, everything is present as in the larger Volvo cars so that we were pleasently surprised as fas as concerns the safety features in the S40.
|
|
Price & Equipment
|
|
The standard version with the 2.0 D costs €23,500. A very sharp price, especially when you compare to its most important competitors:
€23,950 for an Alfa Romeo 156 1.9 JTD (126 bhp) or €26,850 for an Audi A4 1.9 TDI (130 bhp) or €26,100 for a BMW 318D
(115 bhp). The standard version is well equipped, but we prefer the Elan version. For an additional €1,600 you have light metal rims,
a central arm support at the back, a leather-clad steering wheel and gear-lever knob and an automatic airco.
The testcar was an Elite version, this model completes the Elan with
remote control for radio and cruise control in the steering wheel, an inside
mirror which dips automatically, a rain sensor, fog headlights and board computer.
Besides the car was provided with side-skirts (€1,004), a winspoiler (€380),
Stylla 7-spokes light metal rims
(€1,500) and metal colour (€550) so that we come to a total price of €30,334.
In addition to this Volvo has a whole range of interesting options in the category
audio, communication and navigation. But the RDS-radio with CD-player and 4
speakers also belongs
to the standard equipement.
|
| |
| Story
and images by Vercaemst Grégory. |
| |
| Specifications |
|
|
|
Engine
& Transmission
|
|
| Type |
Inline
4, 16-valves |
| Location |
Front,
transversely-mounted |
| Displacement |
1998
cc / 121.9 cu in |
| Bore |
85.0
x 3.35 in |
| Stroke |
88.0
x 3.46 in |
| Compression
ratio |
18.5:1 |
| Power |
101.4
kW / 136.0 bhp at 4000 rpm |
| Torque |
320.0
Nm / 236.0 ft lbs at 2000 rpm |
| Drive |
Front
wheel drive |
| Transmission |
6-speed
manual |
| Front
brakes |
Ventilated
discs |
| Rear
brakes |
Ventilated
discs |
| Steering |
Rack
and pinion w/ power assistance |
|
|
Performance
& Fuel Economy
|
|
| 0
- 62 mph |
9.5
seconds |
| 0
- 100 mph |
Not
Available |
| 0
- ¼ mile |
Not
Available |
| Top
Speed |
205.0
kph / 127.4 mph |
| EPA city |
7,5
l/100 km |
| EPA
highway |
4,5
l/100 km |
| EPA
combined |
5,6
l/100 km |
| Our
driving |
7,2
l/100 km |
|
|
Dimensions
& Weight
|
|
| Length |
4468
mm / 175.9 in |
| Width |
1770
mm / 69.7 in |
| Height |
1452
mm / 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase |
2640
mm / 103.9 in |
| Front
track |
1535
mm / 60.4 in |
| Rear
track |
1531
mm / 60.3 in |
| Front
tyres |
205/50-R17 |
| Rear
tyres |
205/50-R17 |
| Kerb
weigth |
1462
kg / 3223 lbs |
| Max.
permitted weigth |
1930
kg / 4255 lbs |
| Seating
capacity |
5 seats |
| Trunk
volume
min / max |
357
liter / 883 liter |
| Fuel
capacity |
55,0
liter |
| Spare
wheel |
Steel
spare wheel tyresize 125/85-R16 |
|
|
Price
|
|
| Available
from |
€23,500
(2.0 D) |
| Base
price test car |
€26,900
(2.0 D Elite) |
| Price
as tested |
€30,334 |
|
|
Verdict
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Road-holding |
| Magnificent centre console |
| Safety features |
| Fuel economy & performance |
| |
|
|
|
Storage pockets doorpanels |
| Knee space in the back |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
