In September 1995, the debut of the model S40. Initially, this Volvo was referred to as S4 / V4, but after the Swedes were sued for using other people's abbreviations (this was the name given to sports versions of Audi), the model was immediately renamed S40. In the new model designation, the letter indicates the type of the body: S is a sedan, V is a pickup and C is a coupe or a convertible, and the numbers indicate the model number. New S40 is completely different from its predecessors, both in design and in device. As the main driving force for this model, three types of engines were offered: 2.0 l and 1.8 l petrol and 1.9 l turbo diesel.
The result of three years of work, based on customer feedback from 1995, was a new generation of Volvo S40, which appeared in 2000. On the updated model, more than 1,500 parts were changed, resulting in more than 30 major improvements that spread to safety, quality, environmental performance, dynamic performance, comfort and design. Volvo S40 - one of the safest cars of the middle class has become even safer, more comfortable and convenient.
Fresh touches were added to the refined design of the model: new bumpers, new enlarged side lights, new front fenders, new fog lights, new direction indicators and dual headlights, new side moldings, colors, new alloy wheels, new transparent taillights, a new rear panel and a new wiper. The wheelbase has increased by 12 mm, the length of the car - by 33 mm, the front wheel track - by 18 mm. The Volvo S40 is the only car in its class on which an inflatable safety curtain (IC) is installed in the standard for all variants.
Also installed a two-tier airbag. Many changes have been made in the chassis: the new front wheel suspension, new engine mounts, which significantly increases driving comfort, noise protection, and handling on the winter road. The interior has undergone significant upgrades. The central console was seriously modified: a new climate control panel, new control positions, a more convenient lower shelf, a new audio system design, window and mirror controls were transferred to the doors. Added a new multifunctional console above the tunnel, new seats and two new types of upholstery. The Volvo S40 is a front wheel drive vehicle with a transversely located four-cylinder engine.
You can choose from one of three petrol engines or a diesel engine. The turbocharged version has a capacity of 200 hp. All of these engines react very quickly and powerfully to the movement of the accelerator pedal. That allows you to very quickly pick up speed when leaving the corner or when overtaking a truck. It also means fewer gear changes in urban environments. The gearbox can be a four-speed automatic with three driving modes or a five-speed manual. In both cases, the maximum gear is accelerating, for quieter and more economical driving on country highways. In 2003, the next generation Volvo S40 rolled off the assembly line.
The new model has become smaller than the previous S40 in size (50 mm shorter), but more competitive among classmates. The highlight of the interior was a unique center console, which has free space beneath it - a revolutionary solution that has never before been encountered on cars of this class.
This fully updated car already comes standard with the most advanced, patented Volvo systems and equipment in the field of passive and personal safety, including chassis, increased compared to the existing model on the base, as well as the width of the front and rear axles; body with torsional rigidity 68% more than the previous model; gradual deformation zones to absorb impact energy; safety cage elements made of extremely durable steel; advanced SIPS systems. In cars of the 2003 model year, fog lights, previously offered only as an option, began to be installed in the "standard".
The Volvo S40 standard specification for the Russian market includes: air conditioning, electric windows and heated front seats. The difference of these cars from the previous version is the availability of all options. The new Volvo S40 can be equipped with a built-in telephone, STC stabilization and traction control, dynamic stabilization and traction control DSTC (skid prevention system), remote control radio, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, driver's seat memory on the steering wheel. with electric drive, girtronic (automatic transmission with the ability to switch to mechanical mode) and many others. And of course, the already familiar Volvo security system.
The new model meets all NCAP requirements. In S40, unique systems appeared that were not previously present on any car and are not mandatory by NCAP, but correspond to the image of Volvo as a safety standard in the automotive industry. For the updated Volvo S40 family, eight four-cylinder engines are provided.
Petrol power units six. This is a 109-strong 1.6-liter, two engines of close working volume (1783 and 1834 cc), but of different power - 122 hp and 125 hp (the second engine - with direct gasoline injection), and three variations of one two-liter engine, which in the atmospheric version produces 136 hp, with a supercharged low pressure develops 165 hp, and with a high-pressure turbocharger - 200 hp (version T4). The range is complemented by two newest common rail direct-injection turbodiesels, which, with a volume of 1.9 liters, develop 102 or 115 hp.
respectively. The 2003 Volvo S40 model began to be assembled at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Production of the previous Volvo S40 models at the company's plant in the city of Born, the Netherlands was discontinued. In 2007, Volvo introduced the updated S40.
The main task of this facelift was to bring the look of the whole line in line with the new corporate style, the tone of which was set by the Volvo S80 model. The design is designed for people with a young soul who can perceive the new. Elements of Volvo's classic design, combined with new lines, create the feeling of a new generation of the car. Sporty, toned appearance visually repeats the appearance of large models S80 and V70. Updated cars are easily recognizable by modified bumpers, grille with a large logo, exhaust pipes and head optics.
Behind the car got a modified apron. Taillights now use LED technology. In addition to the refreshed design of the car received the original interior trim and added power. Avant-garde interior of the cabin is made in the style of high-tech.
The salon received a new seat upholstery in the color of "Spring Green". The center console and interior trim doors decorated completely anew. The cabin has become much more spacious. The expensive “Premium Sound” audio system now plays MP3 and WMA files and is distinguished by great surround sound. The palette of engines is as follows: 1.6 liter gasoline engine, 100 hp capacity, 1.8 liter with 125 hp, gasoline engine, 2 liter capacity with 145 hp and 2 engines, a working volume of 2.4 liters with 140 and 170 hp In addition, Volvo offers a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
The top version of the T5 engine received a gain of power - about 10 hp and now produces 230 hp Along with this, 3 diesel engines are offered: 1.6 liters with 109 hp; 2 liters with 136 hp and the most powerful diesel is the D5 with 180 hp. Volvo S40 is serially equipped with new security systems. In critical situations, the EBL (Emergency Brake Light) system takes effect: if the driver brakes heavily, the rear brake lights come on brighter and more intense than usual. Bi-xenon adaptive headlights were offered as an option.
