What Is It?
2004 Volvo S40
What's Special About It?
The smallest of the Volvo sedan family has lost some length, but is taller and wider than the previous S40, increasing the amount of usable interior space. Despite the shorter overall length, the wheelbase has been lengthened; allowing two wide rear doors for passenger entry, while the track as been extended to improve handling. The Volvo's new cab forward design gives the car an athletic stance and good aerodynamics, and the wheels have been pushed out to the outside corners. Due the new body design, the chassis is 68 percent stiffer, which offers a better balanced ride.
The S40 comes with a new five-cylinder inline engine in both 2.4- and 2.5-liter aspirated versions which produce 140 horsepower and 170 horsepower, respectively, and a turbocharged S40 T5 which puts out 220 hp. The normally aspirated versions use a five-speed manual transmission, while the S40 T5 receives the same six-speed manual used in the S60R and V70R performance vehicles. The same five-speed automatic transmission that is used in the larger Volvo sedans is available on all S40 models.
Inside, the S40 introduces IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System) which delays signals from the integrated phone system and certain peripheral information until the driver has completed maneuvers in noted traffic situations, as when passing or braking.
Why Should You Care?
As safety is a Volvo hallmark, the S40 is a small sedan that not only has upgraded performance and feature content, but increased safety levels as well. Four different grades of steel are used to augment safety in each of the S40's occupant zones, and optional stability traction control and dynamic stability traction control have been added to improve driving confidence. All-wheel drive will be added to the S40 T5 only in 2004. — Kelly Stennick
2004 Volvo S40
What's Special About It?
The smallest of the Volvo sedan family has lost some length, but is taller and wider than the previous S40, increasing the amount of usable interior space. Despite the shorter overall length, the wheelbase has been lengthened; allowing two wide rear doors for passenger entry, while the track as been extended to improve handling. The Volvo's new cab forward design gives the car an athletic stance and good aerodynamics, and the wheels have been pushed out to the outside corners. Due the new body design, the chassis is 68 percent stiffer, which offers a better balanced ride.
The S40 comes with a new five-cylinder inline engine in both 2.4- and 2.5-liter aspirated versions which produce 140 horsepower and 170 horsepower, respectively, and a turbocharged S40 T5 which puts out 220 hp. The normally aspirated versions use a five-speed manual transmission, while the S40 T5 receives the same six-speed manual used in the S60R and V70R performance vehicles. The same five-speed automatic transmission that is used in the larger Volvo sedans is available on all S40 models.
Inside, the S40 introduces IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System) which delays signals from the integrated phone system and certain peripheral information until the driver has completed maneuvers in noted traffic situations, as when passing or braking.
Why Should You Care?
As safety is a Volvo hallmark, the S40 is a small sedan that not only has upgraded performance and feature content, but increased safety levels as well. Four different grades of steel are used to augment safety in each of the S40's occupant zones, and optional stability traction control and dynamic stability traction control have been added to improve driving confidence. All-wheel drive will be added to the S40 T5 only in 2004. — Kelly Stennick
Add A Comment »