Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 is a compact executive car developed by Volvo Cars.

First Generation (1995–2004)

The first generation of Volvo S40 was introduced in the 1995 model year along with plenty of technical upgrades. The technical features were upgraded engine management system, additional safety features, direct (diesel) fuel injection, new front steering and suspension, larger brake discs, larger tires, and modified back suspension.

A small facelift provided enhanced headlights, larger back light clusters, minor fascia re-design and instruments. The first generation came equipped with 4-cylinder engines; they were 1.8 (1731 cc), 2.0 (1948 cc) or 1.9 T4 (1855 cc), 2.0T (1948 cc), and 1.6 (1588 cc) fuel-injected gasoline engines. The 1.8 L (1834 cc) Gasoline direct injection engine was also offered by Mitsubishi.

The high (1.9 T4) and low (2.0T) pressure turbo were the top performing configurations in the entire range. The 1.9T version was available for North America, while the five-speed manual transmission was available on both the variants.

Second Generation (2004–Present)

The second generation was introduced in 2004 and designed on the Volvo P1 platform developed at the Volvo Cars factory in Belgium. At that time, the V40 was substituted by the V50 estate, which was also based on the P1 platform, developed in Ghent. The S40 was selected as a World Car in 2005 awarding ceremony and it was selected as the best Canadian car too.

Most of the parts and chassis of this car were manufactured by Volvo; however, some of the mechanical parts were shared by European Ford Focus, and Mazda3. During this generation, it had 2.5L 5 cylinder engine, and the S40 T5 was equipped with a 2.5 L (2521 cc) five-cylinder fuel-injected engine along with a light-pressure turbocharger. The power-train had 4-valves per cylinder and DOHC engine design. The engine was transversely installed at the front side of the vehicle.

2008 Facelift

In 2008, the S40 was refreshed again. The upgrades included enhanced storage space, and upgraded audio systems, Safety features such as emergency brake lights that flash frequently during hard braking to warn the behind car, were fairly impressive.

The S40 came with elective Active Bi-Xenon headlights that pointed the light beam on the road with much greater intensity. It had also a camera that could be placed on the side mirrors that warn the driver of cars passing beside the vehicle. On all models, the camera came as optional feature.

Volvo launched the 2.0 liter diesel Geartronic engine in 2008. The T5’s engine pumped out 9 hp more, giving a total output of 227 hp (169 kW). The D5 engine is now available along with a physical gearbox providing 400 N-m (300 ft-lbf) of torque as well as an automatic transmission providing 350 N-m (260 ft-lbf).

2010 Volvo S40

2010 Volvo S40 is available in 2 trim levels including 2.4i and T5 R-Design. The vehicle is standardised with fog-lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control system, automatic climate control system, Bluetooth for wireless connectivity and luxury interior.

2011 Volvo S40

2011 Volvo S40 is provided with turbocharged 5-cylinderr engine that offers enough power to entertain drivers. The standard features of this vehicle includes Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, MP3 player, side airbags, curtain airbags, stability control system, traction control system and navigation system.