Volvo S40

Volvo S40 Models

The Volvo S40 four-door sedan and four-door wagon (called V40) come in only one well-equipped trim level, with air conditioning, automatic transmission, power windows, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, eight-way adjustable driver's seat and a sophisticated six-speaker, AM/FM/cassette stereo.

The Volvo S40 has a 1.9-liter in-line four that uses light-pressure turbocharging to produce an impressive 160 horsepower at 5100 rpm. Volvo engineers have extensively revised this engine, adding continuously variable valve timing on the exhaust side, which lowers emissions and boosts torque from 170 to 177 pound-feet at 1800 rpm. But it is mostly the light-pressure turbo that delivers terrific high-end horsepower with workhorse low-end torque, a difficult combination to achieve otherwise. The S40 feels powerful; in fact its performance is on par with many V6-powered compacts.

No manual transmission is offered, but the high-torque turbo engine works very well with the automatic transmission, from a four-speed to a five-speed. The extra gear improves acceleration slightly but the biggest gains are in fuel economy and noise reduction.

As you would expect from Volvo, safety equipment such as multi-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, are standard. Stand-alone options are few and include leather upholstery, power driver's seat, and power sunroof. Volvo has instead packaged a wide variety of desirable equipment, including a traction control system called Dynamic Stability Assistance, heated seats, and headlamp washer/wipers, into an $850 Cold Weather Package. There's also a Sports Package, with a spoiler and fog lights; as well as various audio and interior upgrade packages.

Several dealer-installed accessories, such as a dog guard and cargo mats, are also available.

Driving the Volvo S40

Our first impressions of the Volvo S40 were favorable. Although the little Volvo is only available with an automatic transmission, it moved briskly away from a standing start, and the transmission shifted smoothly through the gears. The low-pressure turbocharger really does boost low-end torque, so that the little four feels more like a medium-size V6. Fortunately, unlike turbochargers of days gone by, you can barely tell this engine is boosted, as there is no whine, no sudden surge of power nor even a boost gauge.

Handling of the S40 is acceptable. In this way the S40 is not in the same class as a BMW 3 Series, but it is better than many other compact cars. There was little body roll in corners and the S40 felt stable. The steering, however, proved a little disappointing. It was fine on the twisty roads but we found it had a dead on-center feel on straight roads. Apparently Volvo engineers modified the steering and suspension for the U.S. market, making it softer to suit our tastes.

Overall, the car is quiet with only a little tire noise coming through to the passenger compartment.