Review: Volvo Mk.1 S40 (1997-04)

Review: Volvo Mk.1-I S40 (1997-00)

Overview

Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) S40 was a compact sedan. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the front-wheel drive Volvo S40 range initially consisted of the naturally aspirated 1.8, 2.0 and turbocharged T4 variants. The S40 range, however, was subsequently expanded with T variants in February 1998 and 1.8 variants in July 1999.Transmission options consisted of four-speed automatic and five-speed manual units.

Co-developed with the Volvo V40 wagon, the S40 was 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide, 1411 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the S40 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. As part of an updated introduced in July 1999, the suspension was revised for greater ride comfort.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-I S40 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. The S40 T4 was further equipped with traction control.

From July 1999, electronic brake force distribution was fitted as standard.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 Volvo S40 – fitted with a driver’s airbag and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s head and thighs was rated as good, though chest, lower leg and foot protection was rated as marginal, giving a score of 12. In the side impact test, protection of the driver’s chest, abdomen and pelvis were rated as adequate, giving a score of 14.

Features: Volvo S40

Standard features for the Volvo S40 1.8 and 2.0 included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser. In July 1999, a six speaker sound system was introduced.

The S40 SE was further equipped with alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘woodline’ dash and door trim.

Compared to the S40 1.8 and 2.0, the Volvo S40 T was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. Beyond this, the S40 T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and rear spoiler.

Review: Volvo Mk.1-II S40 (2000-04)

Overview

Released in August 2000, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) S40 introduced a range of cosmetic, mechanical and handling upgrades. For the drivetrains,

• Five-speed automatic transmissions with adaptive shift behaviour were introduced across the range;
• For T4 variants, the B4194T petrol engine was replaced by the B4204T5 unit; and,
• Both the T and T4 variants (i.e. the B4204T3 and B4204T5 engines) were fitted with twin-scroll turbochargers which reduced turbo lag by approximately 50 per cent and continuously variable valve timing (CVVT).

The front suspension was fitted with new lower wishbones and revised springs and dampers which operated with less bind. Furthermore, there were new tyre specifications, track was increased by 18 mm, the wheelbase extended by 12 mm and a new steering housing which contributed to improved steering feel. Refinement was also improved with the introduction of hydro engine mounts and greater insulation between the engine bay and cabin.

Visually, the Volvo Mk.1-II S40 could be identified by its new bumpers, flared wheel arches, clear-glass headlights and tail-lights, larger side indicator lights and new alloy wheel designs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-II S40 included dual front airbags (two-stage), front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners. The T and T4 variants were also fitted with traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo S40 1.8 and 2.0 included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, leather seat trim, rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser.

The Volvo S40 2.0 SE and T variants were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather-faced seats and cruise control. Beyond this, the T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels with ‘Dynamic’ suspension settings, front fog lights, a trip computer and rear spoiler.

2002 S40 Sport and 2003 S40 AKTIV editions

In January 2002, a limited-run 2.0 Sport edition was released; it was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear spoiler. In May 2002, the T Sport was released – it was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, but also gained front fog lights and a rear spoiler.

In June 2003, the S40 2.0 AKTIV was released; it was distinguished by its 15-inch ‘Vogon’ alloy wheels, leather upholstery, front fog lights, black-blend dual headlights, claret wood-effect inlays and rear spoiler.

Related links

• Heritage Models: Volvo S40 (1995-04)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S40 and V40 – improving ambience and practicality (September 2002)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.1 S40/V40