Volvo S40 VS 2.0 T (160 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volvo S40:
The Volvo S40 is a series of subcompact executive cars marketed and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1995 to 2012, offered as a more mainstream alternative to the compact executive Volvo 850 and later the Volvo S60 to compete in a lower pricing bracket. The S40 was more or less positioned against premium-leaning small family cars like the Volkswagen Jetta, as well as some mass-market large family cars.
The first generation was introduced in 1995 with the S40 and V40 cars....(Read more on Wikipedia)
VS Overview:
Volvo S40 (VS). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1230 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo S40 (VS) achieved a commendable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 1997, highlighting Volvo's commitment to safety even in its smaller models. This was a strong result for its era.
2.0 T (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines good power with a manual transmission for a more engaging drive than its automatic counterpart. Strong mid-range torque for easy overtaking.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a turbocharged engine, especially when driven conservatively.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent safety record for its class and era (4-star Euro NCAP)
- • Comfortable and supportive seats, typical of Volvo
- • Good range of engines, from economical diesels to potent turbos
- • Solid build quality and durable interior materials
- • Understated, elegant design that has aged gracefully
Cons:
- • Some engines can feel underpowered or unrefined compared to rivals
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact fuel economy
- • Shared platform with Mitsubishi Carisma led to some 'non-Volvo' characteristics
- • Rear legroom is somewhat limited for taller passengers
- • Certain parts, especially for GDI or early diesels, can be harder to source now
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VS: 1995 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | S40 |
| Generation: | VS |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 T (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 82.1 Hp/l [33mm more] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B4204T More details about the engine B4204T |
| Engine displacement: | 1948 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 187 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1230 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max load: | 560 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 853 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4516 mm [33mm more] |
| Width: | 1716 mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1422 mm [11mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2562 mm [12mm more] |
| Front track: | 1472 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1474 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |

















Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Volvo S40?