Volvo cars are not very common in Russia. Nevertheless, everyone knows how reliable and safe these machines are. Volvo produced several modifications of sedans and station wagons, including the S40 model. This machine has been mass-produced since 1995 and was built on the P1 platform. It is universal - it is built on the hatchback C30 and the convertible Volvo S70. But first things first.
Appearance
The design of the car is classic for those times. So, the Swedes gradually switched from rough, square to smooth and streamlined lines. Front - glass halogen headlights with wipers and chrome grille. The car has a powerful bumper.
Judging by the reviews, the Volvo S40, which was in a small accident, did not need serious repairs. Sometimes even the paint remained intact. The owners were simply amazed at the reliability of the sedan. As for the design of the machine as a whole, it, of course, is outdated by our time. Nevertheless, the sedan looks pretty solid.
Body and its features
Volvo 90s have a very high-quality body. This is a time-tested fact. Finding a non-rotten S40 in the secondary market is not a problem. The metal is galvanized and reliably protected against corrosion. Even in places such as the edge of the hood, trunk lid and arches, the paint does not swell and does not cling. However, there are nuances. So, over the years, a radiator with a fan has been covered by chemistry and dirt. These items are recommended to be removed and cleaned every three years. Otherwise, the motor may overheat due to failure of the fan motor. And the replacement of this element is very expensive. These problems are inherent in both the first and second generation (the restyled Volvo S40 II was no exception).
Reviews say the car is very safe. In accidents, the body rarely changes its geometry. At the same time, there are front and side airbags in the basic configuration.
Dimensions, clearance and weight
The car belongs to a compact class. So, the body length is 4.48 meters, width - 1.72, height - 1.41 meters. The length of the wheelbase is 2.55 meters. Ground clearance is not the largest (15 centimeters), but enough to drive around the city - says the reviews of the owners. Volvo S40 , depending on version, weighs from 1225 to 1255 kilograms. The mass is too big, and it feels slightly in control. But this car cannot be called a “cow on ice”. And we will talk about the characteristics of the suspension on the Volvo a little later.
Salon
The interior of the Swedish car is quite luxurious: a leather interior and glossy wood accents throughout. Three-spoke steering wheel with comfortable grip. The instrument panel is arrow, with a nice backlight. On the center console are the "twists" of the climate system, radio and a host of additional buttons. It is worth saying that the car is well equipped. According to reviews, the Volvo S40, even in its basic configuration, can compete with modern budget employees. So, in the car there is climate control, power windows, mirrors, heated seats, good acoustics, central locking and many other options. Many models came with a luxurious, light interior and leather seats.
Are there any problems with the electrical equipment of the cabin? Despite the fact that the machine is seriously equipped, there are no wiring problems. Isolated cases are a glitch of the ignition switch and a wedge of air duct flaps. Failures in the alarm control module also occur. The rest of the car is not satisfactory even after years.
Specifications
As we said earlier, the car is built on a universal platform. So, "family ties" can be traced in the line of power units. For example, the 1.6-liter and 2-liter engines with 100 and 145 horsepower, respectively, were borrowed from Ford, and the 1.8-liter engine with 125 forces was taken from Mazda. This applies to gasoline engines. Among the diesel units, it is worth noting the 1.6-liter engine with 109 horsepower. more expensive versions were equipped with a two-liter engine for 136 forces. These engines are known under the TDCi for Ford vehicles.
Also, the car was equipped with a 220 horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine with a working volume of 2.5 liters. These versions of the Volvo came with the T5 index.
The Swedes also had their own motors. So, among them it is worth noting the 2.4-liter engine. These motors developed 140 and 170 horsepower.
Which motor to choose?
There is no single answer to this question. The choice of power plant will depend on personal preferences. But if you do not want to take risks and are afraid of “getting money”, you should abandon turbocharged engines. In any case, they will be more expensive to repair than atmospheric ones. Owners cannot recommend a specific motor - they are all quite reliable and resourceful. Only a 100-horsepower motor should be abandoned, since its power is clearly not enough for such curb weight - the reviews say. Volvo S40 1.6 is also not very fuel efficient. The best option would be a gasoline 2.4-liter unit. As the owners note in their reviews, the 2.4-liter Volvo S40 is devoid of turbine and also has good dynamics.
Among the problems on diesel engines, it is worth noting the pollution of fuel injectors and throttle valves. Also, over the years, valve seals wear out, due to which oil consumption increases. The owners also recommend monitoring the condition of the electric fan. Due to dust and dirt, it can fail, as a result of which the cooling of the motor will be weak.
Transmission
This car was equipped with several gearboxes. The most common is a five-speed manual transmission. As noted by the owners, the Volvo S40 2007 on the mechanics has a good resource. The box is hardy and unpretentious in maintenance. Once every 100 thousand, it needs only an oil change.
But there are complaints to the machine. According to reviews, the Volvo S40 1.8 with automatic transmission does not like aggressive driving. Because of this, the clutch pack wears out quickly. Therefore, you can "get" to an expensive repair. According to the owners in the reviews, the Volvo S40 with a gun should be taken only subject to the availability of a service booklet, which clearly defines the procedure for replacing ATP-liquid and all other operations for its maintenance. As for the resource, with proper maintenance, this transmission can last about 250 thousand kilometers.
Chassis
Front and rear, the car has an independent suspension. Judging by the reviews, the Volvo S40 has a very reliable chassis. This applies to all elements: struts and bushings of stabilizers, steering tips and silent blocks of levers. These elements rarely need attention. As for shock absorbers, their resource is about 90 thousand kilometers. Among the weaknesses on this machine, the owners note wheel bearings. Moreover, it is the front ones that wear out quickly - after 70 thousand kilometers.
The brake system is hydraulic, with disc elements on each wheel. Pads are erased in different ways. At the front they are changed every 30 thousand, at the back - every 60. Brake discs have a resource of 120-150 thousand kilometers.
How does this car behave on the go? Suspension on the Volvo is quite energy-intensive: pits are not felt in the cabin. At the same time, the car is well involved in turns and perfectly holds a straight course. Of course, in terms of handling it is not a sports car. But the suspension characteristics are tuned in such a way as to enjoy a smooth and measured ride.
To summarize
So, we found out what a Volvo S40 car is. Among the positive points worth noting:
- Safe, sturdy and corrosion resistant body.
- High-quality assembled and well-equipped salon.
- Reliable engines.
- Unkillable suspension.
But there are also disadvantages:
- Obsolete design.
- Nuances of automatic transmission.
- Low market liquidity.
Should I buy this car for personal use? If you need a trouble-free sedan for everyday use, this car can be considered for purchase. Unlike the more senior versions, this model will not require a lot of money for maintenance. And if you really want an eternal car, you should buy a version with an atmospheric engine and mechanics. In this case, the car will give only positive emotions.