S40 Showcases The 'New' Volvo
Addition of a new 2.0-litre diesel engine has complemented Volvo's already highly-regarded S40 lineup.
We've just tested the S40 with that new powerplant and its dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission and we reckon it's placed the Renault Laguna under attack as our favourite entry-level mid-size European.
Throw into the mix the boldly-styled Peugeot 407 and buyers in this market niche certainly have some competent vehicles from which to choose.
What You Get
In many ways, the S40 launched the 'New' Volvo. It's a genuine European mid-sizer, but unlike some of Volvo's earlier efforts, the S40 looks so nice and contemporary, and is such a delight to drive… well, all those tired jokes about Volvos and Volvo drivers are not relevant with this sleek Swedish star.
The range-topping $49,950 S40 T5 R-Design model -- with its turbocharged five cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel-drive grip -- is a sensational high-tech sports package, but the S40 2.0D we tested delivered the S40 attributes (including its very stylish interior) plus 6.0l/100km economy.
Under The Hood
For the last few years, European manufacturers have embraced small capacity turbo-diesels for their mix of reduced fuel consumption and handy power. It shouldn't surprise that this 2.0-litre powerplant from Volvo - Sweden's most successful vehicle manufacturer - is one of the best.
If you've previously driven V6 or even V8 petrol-engined sedans and are considering a mid-size European, don't go straight to the petrol models. Instead, test-drive the S40 2.0D (and the similarly-powered Renault Laguna and Peugeot 407) - you will be astonished at their performance, quietness and low fuel consumption.
Volvo's latest is a twin overhead camshaft design with four valves per cylinder. It uses the latest common rail direct fuel injection which squirts the mixture into the combustion chamber at 1600 bar pressure (for optimum fuel burn and cleaner exhaust emissions). It features an aluminium cylinder head, cast iron block and is a long-stoke (88mm) layout.
A digital two-speed CAN bus electrical network handles the electronics and the throttle is controlled by a drive-by-wire system.
Volvo has gone for a variable nozzle turbocharger for improved throttle response and broader power/torque curves. Maximum power is 100kW at 4,000rpm while peak torque of 320Nm arrives at 2,000rpm.
Drive is to the front wheels via Volvo's twin wet clutch six-speed automatic (called 'Powershift' it's similar to Volkswagen's DSG and Audi's S-tronic).
Combining all of this technology, the S40 2.0D returns combined cycle fuel economy of 6.0l/100km and C02 emissions of 159g/km. Zero to 100 km/h is covered in 9.6 seconds (Ford fans - that's faster than the V6 Falcon).
The Interior
Fitted with the optional ($3,025) leather seats, our test S40 certainly had a luxury aura (and aroma for that matter). The seats themselves are nicely contoured with sporty ribbing reminiscent of the racing Alfa Romeos from the 1960s.
We liked the driving position, all-round visibility and nice, thick leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel with simple push-button operation for the audio adjustment and cruise control.
Volvo's 'floating' center console is a great idea which does provide extra 'hidden' storage capacity under center console in what is otherwise wasted space in conventional interiors. In fact storage 'nooks & crannies' are plentiful throughout the S40's cleverly-executed interior.
The audio system is a single CD unit with MP3/WMA functionality, however Bluetooth remains as $450 option. The sleek center console contains audio controls and an LCD screen with climate, air-conditioning and audio readouts.
While the rear seat is not the roomiest in the category, overall the interior of the S40 is stylish, modern and so 'un-Volvo' the dinosaurs who haven't kept abreast of changes within the Swedish company will be shocked.
Exterior & Styling
Crafted in the first instance by Volvo Car's then Design Director Henrik Otto and subsequently refined by incoming Design Director Steve Mattin's team, the S40 has a low, wide stance which is exaggerated by the sculptured bonnet, angled headlights and contoured front fenders. The front grille has the trademark Volvo diagonal.
The large glasshouse and short rear overhang provide a balanced side profile that departs from the wedge-shape which is common in other design houses and appears almost cab-forward. It's clean and uncluttered in the Nordic way and combined with stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, the S40 exudes a contemporary look.
Like the Renault Laguna, the S40 delivers a surprisingly large boot capacity and low loading lip which although not overly deep, easily handled strollers and golf clubs.
On The Road
Being a Volvo we could write a book about the S40's standard active and passive safety features - it has them all and after endless computer simulations, some 40 prototype models were subjected to real-life crashes … all for research.
Suspension is independent, with a front MacPherson strut design and multi-link rear-end.
Over our regulation test route, the S40 was an eye opener, not only for the sizzling engine performance we mentioned earlier but also for the sporty nature of its front-wheel-drive chassis. Turn-in is brilliant - aided by compliant rear suspension settings.
For the 'technoheads' -- over our high speed mountain roads, the S40's suspension was especially impressive on rebound. We mention that specifically because it was noticeably so good.
Steering feedback was also spot-on with just the right amount of assistance.
Back in town, the S40 was equally at home in weekday traffic.
Challenges
Our only criticism of the S40's dynamics would be a certain amount of harshness from the front suspension when encountering Melbourne's archaic train and tram track crossings. That's a consequence of the compromise, which delivers such great road manners over the mountains and is common with most European cars.
Otherwise we did get the impression rear seat room in the S40 didn't quite meet the impressive Renault Laguna.
Verdict
As we said at the outset, hitherto we rated the Laguna as the best entry-level European mid-sizer. Now the Laguna has a challenger.
The Competition
Looking specifically at mid-size Europeans with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, the most obvious rivals are the Renault Laguna and Peugeot 407. However, for direct comparisons you will need to get brochures for all three to directly compare particular specifications. The Laguna starts at $37,990 and Peugeot's 407 starts at $40,990. While the Volvo S40 2.0D is $42,950, its standard specifications are quite high but even so the options list is cumbersome.
Likes
Great interior & exterior styling; brilliant diesel
Dislikes
Rear set room isn't segment-best; front suspension is harsh
