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Volvo S40 Review & Road TestReview by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk
SummaryThe current S40 will be replaced by a new model in late 2003, with new model cars available in the UK in February 2004. During transition to the new model range the existing versions will continue to be available under the banner of the S40 Classic. The very attractive and stylish S40 is now based on the new Ford Focus platform which automatically provides a dramatic improvement in the cars dynamic qualities. An additional consequence of the S40's underpinnings is that the new car is shorter than its predecessor - explaining the positioning of the S40 as a competitor to the Alfa Romeo 156, BMW 3 Series Compact and Audi A3. Despite the pedigree of the S40's chassis, the new car rides and handles like a Volvo and it is certainly less of a drivers car than either the BMW or Alfa Romeo. Initial UK models will be equipped with two brand new petrol engines (either the 2.5 litre turbocharged 220bhp T5 engine or the 2.4 litre 170 bhp unit) and one diesel engine (2 litre 136 bhp). In the longer term Volvo will be introducing bi-fuel engines The T5 engined S40 will manage a top speed of 149 mph and a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds whilst the 2.4 litre engine manages 136mph and 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, bringing up the rear the diesel manages 127 mph and 0-60 in 9.5 seconds.. The interior of the car also holds some surprises from a manufacturer renowned for lack lustre design - most obviously the floating centre console that houses all the heating and stereo controls. The cabin has the quality feel you would expect of Volvo, materials are of a high quality and it feels rock solid - definitely up with the best in class.
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