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Volvo S40 VS 2.0 16V (136 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 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1290 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.7 s). The top speed reaches 205 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 16V (136 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A solid, reliable naturally aspirated engine offering competent performance for everyday use, slightly less potent than the 140 Hp variant but still capable.
Fuel Economy
Expected to have similar fuel economy to the 140 Hp version, offering a decent balance for its power output.
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:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | S40 |
| Generation: | VS |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 16V (136 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 69.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B4204S |
| 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: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.4 l |
| Coolant: | 6.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1290 |
| Max. weight: | 1770 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 853 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4516 mm mm |
| Width: | 1716 mm mm |
| Height: | 1422 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2562 mm mm |
| 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 |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Volvo S40!