Another Winner in Volvo’s S40 Range

Volvo South Africa has launched another winning combination in its popular S40 sedan range, adding a powerful yet economical 2-litre engine to the S40’s award-winning shape – with a comprehensive list of standard features that will certainly appeal to discerning buyers in this segment.

Value for money was an important attribute of the S40 2.4i that earned it the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists’ Car of the Year Award in 2005.

This resulted in the addition of leather seats, which is also a new standard feature in the S40 2.4i, to the already extensive list of standard equipment that can be found in the S40 2.0.

The main change in the S40 2.0 lies in the four-cylinder petrol engine that is mounted transversely and delivers its power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1 999 cc engine, with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, delivers its maximum power output of 107 kW at 6 000 rpm, and maximum torque of 185 Nm at 4 500 rpm.A realistic fuel consumption figure of 7,4 litres/100 km was recorded in a mixed European test cycle (combination of open roads and urban traffic). That gives the S40 2.0 a long-distance range of close to 750 km with its 55-litre fuel tank.

The exterior of the new Volvo S40 that was launched in South Africa in 2004 is an evolution of Volvo’s modern body design, while the interior similarly features clean design lines combined with functionality. The Volvo S40 is shorter, but wider and taller, than its predecessor. The bonnet is short and there is a pronounced cab-forward profile.

Track and wheelbase have been extended. This contributes to the sporty appearance and gives the car stable on-the-road behaviour. The long wheelbase also makes it possible to fit conveniently wide rear doors.

The Volvo S40 shares the same type of interior safety system found on the larger Volvo models, including WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), side-impact airbags and inflatable curtains. Extremely powerful ABS brakes and automatic panic-braking assistance – EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance) provide predictable stopping power.

This stunning newcomer has two clear advantages going for it – traditional Volvo reliability as well as affordability. And the car is an excellent choice – regardless of price.