New Volvo S40

Frankfurt Debut for Volvo's newest Saloon

Well this has got to be a first for a modern manufacturer - a replacement model that's smaller than the outgoing example.

For its new S40 model, Volvo have chopped 50mm off the length. In fact the proportions of the car will be quite different, with the car being both taller and wider than its predecessor. Within those outer limits, the wheelbase has been extended by 78mm and front and rear track widened by 63 and 57mm respectively.

The front of the car retains a strong Volvo image however with the wide grille and set back lights giving it a muscular look. Fron the side, the S40 does appear to have lost some of its 'Volvoness' with hints of A4/Vectra about the lines.

Inside, the car features what Volvo is proclaiming is a unique design feature - a stand-alone free floating centre stack. Apparently, "it constitutes the car’s foremost control panel, like the remote control in the modern home entertainment system. " No pictures of this innovation were available at the time of publishing so quite what on earth Volvo are on about is a bit of a mystery. Is it a small Ikea-like coffee table with buttons?

Aside from that exciting detail, the only thing likely to excite performance car fans is the T5 version. That will come with a turbocharged 5 cylinder 220bhp engine mated to a six speed gearbox. The T5 model will be available from launch.

OP Posts Only