Ready to do Battle with the Germans, Brits and JapaneseThe third phase of the
Volvo S40 is complete! After seeing relative success with its compact S40, Volvo has thoroughly and completely redesigned the compact luxury sedan for 2004. Sharing its origins with the all-new Mazda 3 (MX Sportif), Ford Focus C-Max and the yet-to-be-seen Focus 2.0, this is the first Volvo to integrate architecture with its Ford Motor siblings. It will be presented to the public in Frankfurt next month.
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| After its success, Volvo has decided to completely redesign the S40 for 2004. (Photo: Volvo) |
As said by a Volvo spokesperson, the new S40 is a 'modern evolution of a traditional sedan,' and it's perfectly true, taking on the image of the S60 and S80 sedans. Shedding its 'rounded box' cocoon, the new S40 is astonishingly similar to its larger cousins with a distinctive, protruding grille, heavily carved hood and inset headlamps. Around back, the coupe-like profile blends with solid shoulder lines as seen on all new Volvos. It really does look like a junior S80.
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| The most powerful engine choice for the new S40 will be the turbocharged 220 horsepower T5 model. (Photo: Volvo) |
As always, the S40 will be available with a relatively large selection of engines. For starters, two different five cylinder power units will be offered in North America, with the first expected to reach a respectable 170 horsepower. The enthusiast's ride of choice, of course, will be the T5, which will be propelled by a turbocharged 220 horsepower motor.
A slightly less powerful 140 horsepower four cylinder engine targeting Europeans is expected in mid 2004, and the sole count for an oil burner will come from a 136 horsepower common rail diesel engine - also slated for Europe, at least until low sulfur diesel arrives on this side of the Atlantic in 2006.
