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Volvo S40 II 1.8 i 16V (125 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)
II Overview:
Volvo S40 (II). With 165 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1295 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 200 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 II achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, setting a high standard for safety in its class at the time of its release.
1.8 i 16V (125 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Similar to the other 1.8i, it provides basic, reliable performance suitable for relaxed driving and urban environments.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, making it an economical choice for everyday use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional safety ratings for its era
- • Comfortable and supportive seats, typical of Volvo
- • Solid build quality and premium interior feel
- • Stylish and understated Scandinavian design
- • T5 engine offers strong performance with AWD option
- • Good ride quality, absorbing road imperfections well
Cons:
- • Some entry-level engines can feel underpowered
- • Rear legroom and interior space are not class-leading
- • Higher fuel consumption on T5 and automatic variants
- • Infotainment system can feel dated compared to rivals
- • Potential for common issues with age (e.g., suspension components, electrical glitches)
- • Steering can lack the engagement of some German rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VS: 2001 - 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | S40 |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V (125 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.5 Hp/l [40mm less] |
| Torque: | 165 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B4184S11 More details about the engine B4184S11 |
| Engine displacement: | 1798 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.1 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 883 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 404 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4476 mm [40mm less] |
| Width: | 1770 mm [54mm more] |
| Height: | 1454 mm [32mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2640 mm [78mm more] |
| Front track: | 1535 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1531 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 m [above average] |
| 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 [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
If you could change one thing about the Volvo S40, what would it be?