- Comfortable and supportive front seats
- Phase II V40 has much-improved ride and handling
- Underpowered 1.8-litre petrol engines
- Original suspension settings lacked compliance
- Poor rear leg room
- Vague steering
Review: Volvo Mk.1-I V40 (1997-00)
Overview
Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) V40 was a compact wagon. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the front-wheel drive Volvo V40 range initially consisted of the naturally aspirated 2.0 and turbocharged T4 variants. The V40 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 Mk.1 S40 sedan, the Volvo V40 was 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide, 1411 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the V40 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.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 | N/A | 1997-99 | 1731 cc B4184S petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
85 kW at 5500 rpm | 165 Nm at 4100 rpm |
| 1.8 | N/A | 1999-00 | 1783 cc B4184S2 petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
90 kW at 5800 rpm | 170 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.0 | N/A, SE |
1997-99 | 1948 cc B4204S petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
103 kW at 6000 rpm | 183 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| SE | 1999-00 | 1948 cc B4204S2 petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
100 kW at 5800 rpm | 190 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| T | N/A, SE |
1998-99 | 1948 cc B4204T turbo petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
118 kW at 5100 rpm | 230 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| SE | 1999-00 | |||||
| T4 | N/A, SE |
1997-99 | 1855 cc B4194T turbo petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 147 kW at 5500 rpm | 300 Nm at 2400-3600 rpm |
| 1998-99 | 4sp auto | |||||
| SE | 1999-00 | 1855 cc B4194T turbo petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
147 kW at 5500 rpm | 300 Nm at 2400-3600 rpm |
Dimensions
Co-developed with the Volvo Mk.1 S40 sedan , the V40 was 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide, 1411 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase.
Suspension and steering
The Volvo V40 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. Furthermore, the Volvo V40 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1 V40 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners; the V40 T4 was further equipped with traction control.
From July 1999, electronic brake force distribution was fitted as standard.
Features
Standard features for the Volvo V40 1.8 and 2.0 variants included a six 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 V40 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 1.8 and 2.0 variants, the Volvo V40 T was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. Beyond this, the V40 T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and rear spoiler.
Related links
Review: Volvo Mk.1-II V40 (2000-04)
Overview
Released in August 2000, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) V40 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 18mm, 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 Mk.1-II V40 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.
| Variant | Edition | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 | N/A | 2000-01 | 1783 cc B4184S2 petrol I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
90 kW at 5800 rpm | 170 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.0 | N/A | 2001-04 | 1948 cc B4204S2 petrol I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
100 kW at 5800 rpm | 190 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| SE | 2000-04 | |||||
| Sport | 2002 | |||||
| AKTIV | 2003 | |||||
| T | N/A | 2001-03 | 1948 cc B4204T3 turbo petrol I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
121 kW at 5250 rpm | 240 Nm at 1800-4500 rpm |
| SE | 2000-01 | |||||
| Sport | 2002 | |||||
| T4 | N/A | 2001-03 | 1948 cc B5204T5 turbo petrol I4 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
147 kW at 5500 rpm | 300 Nm at 2500-4000 rpm |
| SE | 2000-01 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-II V40 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 V40 T and T4 variants were also fitted with traction control.
Features
Standard features for the Volvo V40 1.8 and 2.0 included a seven 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 V40 2.0 SE and T were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather-faced seats and cruise control.
Beyond this, the V40 T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels with ‘Dynamic’ suspension settings, front fog lights, a trip computer and rear spoiler.
V40 Sport and 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 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
