Model Overview: 2006 Volvo S40
Model Overview: 2006 Volvo S40
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
S40 2.4i: $23,755
S40 T5: $26,615
S40 T5 AWD: $28,390
Destination: $695
As the most attainable Volvo, the S40 is designed and engineered according to three “pillars” that are the principles of its character - Vibrant Design and Style, Exhilarating to Drive and Class-Leading Safety. These characteristics converge in a “sweet spot” that give the car its unique character - it’s “Volvo-ness.”
The newest member of Volvo’s S-range of sporting sedans continues to be offered in three versions: The value-leading S40 2.4i; the performance-oriented S40 T5 and the all-weather S40 T5 AWD. Enhancements for 2006 include a new, simplified Package and option structure, redesigned alloy wheels and improved cup holders. T5 models receive a “pushdown” function to engage reverse gear for the 6-speed manual transmission.
A choice of powertrains gives each S40 model a distinct character. A normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine that produces 168-horsepower motivates the S40. It can be mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. Increasing the fun factor in the T5 is a 218-horsepower light-pressure turbocharged engine. Those who crave an even more dynamic driving experience may equip the T5 with Volvo’s 6-speed close-ratio manual gearbox and electronically controlled all-wheel drive.
No matter which engine is fitted, the S40 provides confidence-inspiring performance. The extremely rigid platform affords levels of steering precision and suspension nimbleness found in the top vehicles in its class. Advanced braking, steering and chassis systems enable the S40 to feel secure in its capabilities across a broad spectrum of driving conditions.
From the outside, the S40 is unmistakably a Volvo, a modern evolution of the extraordinary design language that began with the S80 luxury sedan. The interior is a revolution, with an ultra-slim center console – the first of its kind in the automotive world – creating an aura of exclusivity, simplicity and space. “The center console is a design icon for the Volvo S40,” says Henrik Otto, Design Director at Volvo Cars. “We intend to pursue our position as inaugurators in the car design world, not looking at what our competitors are doing. It is therefore far more valuable to keep an eye on what they’re not doing.”
In the S40, Volvo continues its groundbreaking use of high-tensile steel. In the front structure, four different grades of steel are used in an intelligent interplay to provide maximum safety for the car’s occupants. “Naturally, our goal is that the Volvo S40 should be the safest car in its class,” says Volvo Cars President & CEO Hans-Olov Olsson.
Side impact protection is addressed by the use of extremely rigid cross members that form a 3-way attachment between the leading edge of the A-pillar and the base of the B-pillar. Similar cross members are found in the rear doors as well. This system of energy absorption, along with the slim-design 5-cylinder engines is called Volvo’s Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), representing an innovative approach to vehicle safety design.