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VOLVO S40 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 1996
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel, Hybrid
VOLVO S40 photo gallery

Reaching its second generation in 2007, the S40 was an entry level luxury sedan capable to offer refinement and style.

Although not so fun-to-drive as the contemporary competitors such as the A4 or the BMW 3-Series, the S40 came with a more attractive price.

Available in two trim levels, the S40 came with a choice of two engines, a 2.4-liter unit that developed 168 hp and a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder that cranked out 218 hp. While the 2.4-liter powerplant offered decent power, it was unimpressive and not attractive compared to the more powerful 2.5-liter unit.

The base trim level came equipped with 16-inch alloys, manual climate control, power accessories and heated mirrors and was available only with a front-wheel-drive system.

Stepping up to the T5 trim level, the S40 featured the more powerful engine already mentioned, an in addition to that, it could be equipped with a four-wheel-drive system. Other standard equipments included fog lights, cabin aluminum inserts, automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver seat and a trip computer. These features could be added to the base trim level with extra costs.

Other features were bundled into packages and the S40 could be equipped with a moonroof, an upgraded audio system, leather upholstery, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlamps washers, bi-xenon HID headlights, keyless go and a navigation system.

It’s not surprise that the S40 was well equipped safety-wise, with Dynamic Stability and Traction control as standard, numerous airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints and seatbelts pre-tensioners.

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VOLVO S40 photo gallery

Volvo introduced the second generation of the S40 lineup in late 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, and the difference compared with its predecessor was massive.

While the first generation of the S40 was introduced in 1995 and shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma/Lancer, the second generation was developed in an era when Volvo was under Ford's umbrella. As a result, it shared its platform with the second generation of the European Ford Focus and the Mazda 3 (BK). In terms of styling and engineering, it was a clear departure from the old books used by Volvo to build cars.

In terms of exterior design, the second generation of the S40 resembled the shapes of the S60, with its drakkar-style nose and recessed headlights. The rounded shaped hood featured a higher center area with the sides lowered on the front fenders. Its grille was incorporated into the upper side of the front bumper, while in the lower area, the automaker added a secondary air intake to help cool the engine. Volvo also included a third row of windows behind the rear doors to add more light to the cabin.

The Swedish automaker used the same design language as on the S60 for the rear quarter panels, with slightly wider shoulders over the rear wheels. Finally, at the back, Volvo added corner-mounted taillights. It didn't want to extend them over the trunk lid to comply with U.S. regulations regarding tail lamps. Overall, it looked more like a shrunk-down S60, and it was even shorter than its predecessor, which was unusual.

Inside, the premium compact sedan offered customers comfortable wide bucket seats, and the driver enjoyed tilt and telescope steering column adjustments. The minimalist design of the vehicle also affected the instrument cluster, where Volvo installed two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that included the water temperature and fuel level gauges, respectively. As an option, the automaker offered a pop-up navigation system that rose from the dashboard's center. Still, the main attraction was the center stack, with its compact design, which housed the HVAC and audio controls.

In the back, passengers enjoyed better legroom than in the previous generation of the S40 due to the longer wheelbase. The bench seat was wide enough to accommodate three people. Still, the arched side walls limited the outboard-seated passengers' headroom. In terms of safety, the S40 boasted a plethora of airbags, including curtains. Moreover, it even offered a whiplash protection system that tilted the front seats rearward in case of a rear-ended crash. The trunk could hold up to 14.3 cu-ft (405 liters), and thanks to the split-folding rear bench's seatback and the side passenger folding seat, longer items could be loaded.

Under the hood, Volvo installed a mix of engines produced either by the Swedish automaker or Ford. Power ranged between 100 PS (98 hp) and 220 PS (217 hp) and was sent to the front or in all corners via a Haldex center differential.

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VOLVO S40 photo gallery

Four years after introducing the S40 lineup in 1996, Volvo refreshed the vehicle to comply with new European emission standards and also improved the car's look.

The model was launched after an agreement with Mitsubishi, and the S40 was produced in the Netherlands at the NedCar factory alongside the Carisma built by the Japanese automaker. That's why both vehicles shared some underpinnings. It was a bold design for the Swedish automaker, which had to cut its ties with the older, wedged shapes shown on the 240 and 760 models. Meanwhile, in 1999, Volvo was bought by Ford, and the American automaker knew how to properly do a facelift and helped its new partner with the refreshed S40.

On the exterior, the car sported a new front fascia with rounded corners and edges for the headlights. In addition, the grille received a fresh design with horizontal and vertical slats that made the Volvo badge look better. Moreover, the bumper was completely new and featured reshaped fog lights in the lower apron with a swept-back design. From its profile, the S40's shape was similar, with the same raised deck and, depending on the options, a small wing.

Inside, there were minor changes to the cabin. On the center stack, the climate control panel was replaced. There was a new stereo, which featured an in-dash CD-player. Volvo improved the look of the instrument panel as well by adding larger LCDs on the bottom of the speedometer and tachometer for the onboard computer info and the odometer.

But the most important improvements were made under the car's skin. At the front, the car featured an improved suspension that gave it a slightly wider track. To comply with the new emission standards, the S40 also received direct fuel-injection systems for its diesel engines, which were carried over from Renault.

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VOLVO S40 photo gallery

Since the launch of the 1992 Volvo 850, it was clear that Volvo entered into a new era, where front-wheel-drive and rounded shapes replaced the rear-wheel-drive systems and the boxy bodyworks.

Volvo needed a new platform and a factory inside the EEC (Economic European Community) to avoid customs taxes. The answer came from Mitsubishi, who was looking for a partner to build its Carisma mid-size range in Europe and invest in a new front-wheel-drive platform. The Swedish and Japanese carmakers joined their forces and produced the Volvo S40/V40 and the Carisma, respectively. And that's why the S/V40 had a 4x114.3 pattern for its wheels (PCD).

The 1996 S40 looked like no other Volvo before. At the front, the bumper featured a lower apron where the carmaker integrated the fog lights. Its horizontal headlights featured smoothed corners on the upper side, flanking the chromed grille with vertical slats. The greenhouse extended behind the rear doors, and the carmaker added a third, small side window between the rear doors and the C-pillars. A flat trunk lid with rounded corners and a set of corner-mounted taillights wearing a clear middle line completed the car's image.

Inside, the carmaker installed a dashboard with smooth lines and a center stack that hosted the HVAC controls on the upper side and the radio cassette player at the bottom. Volvo used a green light illumination in the instrument cluster, showing the speedometer in the middle and the tachometer on the left. Its five-seat cabin offered good room for the front passengers and adequate for the rear ones.

Under the hood, the Swedish carmaker installed a wide engine choice either built by Volvo or Mitsubishi (the 1.8-liter direct-injected gasoline unit) or Renault (the 1.9-liter turbo-diesel).

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