Volvo S40 - model year 2011
When the current generation of the
Volvo S40 was introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set
on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel.
A
number of distinctive design cues when the model was refined in 2007
took the S40 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
colour-coordinated 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.
Exterior colours
The following
exterior colours are available for the Volvo S40:
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. By connecting Volvo's Bluetooth device to the car's audio
system and a Bluetooth-compatible cellular telephone, easy and
practical hands-free phoning is made possible.
Cars
with Volvo On Call now have the option of activating the cabin heater
remotely via SMS text messaging.
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.
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 from late 2010.
New
2-litre diesel
The new five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel
introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo
Cars' model range. The new 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 new 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:
Both the new D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards.
All
the variants of the new 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 104 g CO2 emissions
The
DRIVe version of the 1.6-litre diesel has a Start/Stop function,
lowering fuel consumption to 3.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions levels to
104g/km. The engine delivers 109 hp.
The Start/Stop function shuts
off the engine when the car is standing still and the driver releases
the clutch and puts the gear lever into neutral. As soon as the driver
presses the clutch again the engine restarts. The Start/Stop function
reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4-5% (in mixed driving
conditions). In urban traffic, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be
reduced by up to 8%.
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
IDIS promotes safer driving
Volvo
Cars has developed various information systems 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 systems 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 car's 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 systems 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 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.