Tuesday 9th September 2003

New Volvo S40

Frankfurt Debut for Volvo's newest Saloon

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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.

[docevi1]

Does anyone think this looks a lot like the Vauxhall Astra, especially in its poise and general shape (bar the longer boot).

I wonder what that floating things is!

[traction]

I guess it's a set of controls (multimedia stuff) that can glide between front seats and back so the kids can access them ?

I doubt it'll "float". Even if the kids try pouring ribena on it!

Ta.

>> Edited by traction on Tuesday 9th September 12:20

[RichB]

It's simply the centre console with the air-con and radio controls etc. nothing especially scientific except that it is a flat panel with space behind it rather than the usual large carpetted slab of plastic. Just neat use of space in a small car Rich...

>> Edited by RichB on Tuesday 9th September 13:16

[lx993]

Free floating centre stack??

Sounds like a lurid accident to me

[tuscan_s]

docevi1 said:

Does anyone think this looks a lot like the Vauxhall Astra, especially in its poise and general shape (bar the longer boot). I wonder what that floating things is!

Yeah I see it now!

[robbo1]

docevi1 said:

Does anyone think this looks a lot like the Vauxhall Astra, especially in its poise and general shape (bar the longer boot).

I'm not sure whether it's Astra or Vectra (with a bit of Lexus IS200 mixed in).

RichB said:

neat use of space in a small car

Not sure what you'd put in there though. Perhaps if there's a curry hook round the back.....

[RichB]

robbo1 said:

RichB said: neat use of space in a small car Not sure what you'd put in there though. Perhaps if there's a curry hook round the back.....

Ideal - I'll suggest it, especially if you can direct the heater vents to keep it warm

[TJMurphy]

RichB said:

robbo1 said: RichB said: neat use of space in a small car Not sure what you'd put in there though. Perhaps if there's a curry hook round the back..... Ideal - I'll suggest it, especially if you can direct the heater vents to keep it warm

I'd guess the curry hook goes on the side of the transmission tunnel, same as on the S60. At least that's where mine is installed!!!

An S40 with a 220 bhp T5 engine could be a nice little stormer though. Not to everyone's taste but there's enough T5 owners on this site should appreciate the concept.

I think the "nanny knows best" muting of the telephone when overtaking is a bit much though...

[RichB]

TJMurphy said:

RichB said: robbo1 said: RichB said: neat use of space in a small car Not sure what you'd put in there though. Perhaps if there's a curry hook round the back..... Ideal - I'll suggest it, especially if you can direct the heater vents to keep it warm I'd guess the curry hook goes on the side of the transmission tunnel, same as on the S60. At least that's where mine is installed!!!

Errr that's the whole point - there is no transmission tunnel because the panel is flat and there is space behind it where you might put... a bag of curry! R...