Much like the current S40, the new car will be available in a front wheel drive configuration with either manual 5-speed or automatic transmission. Original speculations about the S40 being offered with all wheel drive are correct, but the electronically-controlled system is limited to the hot T5 engine. Power will run through a six-speed manual transmission. It is unclear if Volvo will offer a less powerful all wheel driven version of the S40, and there is still no word whether or not the car will feature a CVT transmission.
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| The interior of the S40 breaks away from normal Volvo styling with its 'floating' center console. (Photo: Volvo) |
On the inside the S40 is typical Volvo, but it breaks from all normal traditions by offering a 'floating' center console. Attached at the lower dashboard, and upper tranny tunnel, the aluminum-finish strip holds all the buttons and controls for the stereo, HVAC and information center.
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| "Naturally, our goal is that the new S40 should be the safest car in its class." (Photo: Volvo) |
"The centre console is a design icon for the new Volvo S40," says Henrik Otto, Design Director of Volvo Cars. "We intend to pursue our own course as innovators in the design world, not look at what our competitors are doing. It's far more valuable to keep an eye on what they're not doing."
Other than this tasteful and modern jump from the ordinary the S40 is classic Volvo, easy on the eyes, ergonomically sound and built with
safety in mind. The new model continues Volvo's use of high-tensile steel, with four separate grades making up the car's frontal structure for additional strengthening.
