Volvo S40 - 2007
The Volvo S40 has been given a ‘comprehensive’ external and internal redesign to enhance their dynamism, versatility and safety further. Despite the fact that it shares structure and also mechanical with the Mazda 3 and European version of the Ford Focus, the Volvo S40 is distinctly Scandinavian in design.
Taking a step closer to the all new S80 saloon design cues, the S40 is currently fitted with a reprofiled nose and chrome framed ‘egg-crate’ grille, complete with a 50 % larger Volvo badge - a clear indication of the Swedish carmaker’s bolder future design direction.
As expected with Volvo - a safety innovator, the S40 has a variety of safety features, including front side and side airbags, a reinforced cage around the passenger compartment and four wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA), among others.
Also included in this beauty is a Dynamic Stability Traction control system, helping keep the vehicle from spinning and/or preventing a loss of control during extreme or emergency manoeuvres.
The distinctive front is flanked by new clear lens headlamp units, while a striking full-width air intake incorporates reworked integral fog lamps and a central mesh section, replacing the previous three-part air intake unit.
A new bumper is added and a revised boot handle design as well as a more sporting exhaust pipe layout complete the visual makeover. Even the the cabins have been given a thorough revision to add more storage space and carrying versatility as well as boosting the choices of interior trims, by their designers and engineers.
The S40 comes with two variants on the engine side :
- 2.4L 1-5 20 Valve DOHC MPI
- 2.5L 1-5 20 Valve DOHC MPI
This engine drives the front wheels via a smooth shifting Geartronic five speed automatic transmission, which can be taken through the gears like a manual minus the clutch. Meanwhile, the performance oriented T5 model receives a lustier 218hp, turbo charged five cylinder and a 6 speed manual gearbox, that for 2006, gains a push-down function to engage reverse gears. The aforementioned 5 speed manual is an optional item in the T5.
The wagon equivalent of the S40 sedan is called the V50, which moves closer to the all new V70 estate, with a sportier new grille and headlamp layout.
