The current generation of the Volvo S40 has taken a visual step closer to the Volvo S80 - giving customers large-car properties in a compact format and with clearly sporty overtones.

 

EXTERIOR

Broad, low stance

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. The broad shoulders and convex side panels radiate power and emphasise the car's compact dimensions.

The soft nose creates a broad, low stance thanks to its grille with the enlarged Volvo iron mark, headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire front.

The low, horizontal impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the tail lamps and the bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance. From Model Year 2012 the S40 always comes fully colour coordinated. New is also the 17-inch, five-spoke diamond cut wheel "Spider".

 

Exterior colours

The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo S40:

Cosmic White Metallic 481

Orange Flame Metallic 701

Black Stone Solid 019

Passion Red Solid 612

Ice White Solid 614

Silver Metallic 426

Black Sapphire Metallic 452

Titanium Grey Metallic 455

Barents Blue Metallic 466

Electric Silver Metallic 477

Chameleon Blue Metallic 490

Caspian Blue 498 (from autumn 2011)

 

INTERIOR

Flexible interior with iconic centre stack  

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo S40 offers a spacious and flexible interior. The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality. The Volvo S40 was the first model featuring Volvo's ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with an illuminated storage compartment at the rear.

The iconic centre stack is available in several decor versions such as with Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.  

The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver.

 

New contrasting leather combination

The upholstery range has been expanded over the years both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer-grained leather.  The range now includes a new contrasting leather option with black seat sides, white backrest and orange stitching.

 

Audio and information

The Volvo S40 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a USB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.

 

Keep in touch via mobile application

New is also a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which is presently available in 12 European countries plus Russia and Brazil.

Now, the system has been reinvented. Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the new application that opens up a range of connectivity possibilities. The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores. The app is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.

 

CHASSIS

Well-balanced and controlled driving

The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track together with a very rigid body contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.

 

DSTC standard

Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

 

DRIVELINE

Transverse engines

The engines in the Volvo S40 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available.

 

T5 with 230 hp The Volvo S40 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque. There are also other petrol engine versions available, as well as a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets.

 

2-litre diesel The five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption.

The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure.

This promotes extremely efficient combustion.

In the Volvo S40 the 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:

• D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
• D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Both the D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards. All the variants of the two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

 

D2 with 114 g CO₂ emissions

The S40 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EU Combined), which corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

 

DRIVe with 99 g CO₂ emissions

The can also get the upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine that meets the Euro 5 exhaust emission regulations being implemented in January 2011. The further-developed engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function have made it possible for Volvo's engine experts to cut CO₂ emissions from 104 g/km to 99 g/km.

 

SAFETY AND SUPPORT

IDIS promotes safer driving

Volvo Cars has developed various information systems and features designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.

 

Systematic safety approach

Protective safety in the Volvo S40 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety functions that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.

The body of the Volvo S40 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.

Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.

The interior safety features aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Cars has developed a number of in-house systems and features such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain).

All are fitted as standard in the Volvo S40. What is more, all five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints.