Volvo S40 (1995 - 2012) - Overview

With the S40, Volvo offered the same comfort and safety levels in compact size as the drivers of the larger 850 had already enjoyed for some years.

Soon, the two original versions (with 1.8 and 2.0 litre engines) were supplemented with new economic and exciting models. From the fuel-thrifty turbodiesel version to the high-performance T4 (200 bhp) performance S40 model, a worthy successor to classic performance Volvos like the PV544 Sport, the P1800 and the 240 Turbo.

However, the S40 has not only become popular on regular roads - it has also become a spectacular racing car, its most remarkable success notched up when Richard Rydell won the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) in his S40 1998. The S40 has also been quite successful in the STCC (the Swedish Touring Car Championship).

In 2000, the S40 was successfully introduced in North America.

Technical Specifications

Model: S40 GENERATION 1 Produced: 1995-2004 Volume: 352910 Body: 4-door saloon Engine: 4-cylinder in-line DOHC 1,587 1,948 cc, and 4-cylinder in-line OHC 1,870 cc Turbo Diesel Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4- or 5-speed automatic. Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes all round Dimensions: Wheelbase 256 cm

At Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003 a new Volvo made its debut, the S40. This second generation Volvo S40 has got a modern styling with a clear Volvo heritage. Inside the car, we find a new design language with a clear Scandinavian influence

Volvo S40 comes with a wide range of engines, four cylinder and for the first time also five cylinder petrol engines for the medium sized Volvo cars. A four cylinder turbo diesel is also part of the programme

The new Volvo S40 can also be equipped with an all wheel drive system.

Volvo S40 has a body with 68% more torsion stiffness than its predecessor. It has also a high level of safety with a new patented front structure which has several crumple zones.

Technical Specifications

Model: S40 GENERATION 2 Variants: AWD Produced: 2003-2012 Volume: Production running Body: 4-door saloon Engine: 4-cyl in-line DOHC 1.596 cc, 1.798 cc. 5-cyl in-line DOHC, 2.435, 2.521 cc or 4-cyl in-line DI Turbo Diesel 1.998 cc Transmission: 5-speed or 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes all round Dimensions: Overall length 447 cm, wheelbase 264 cm