The S40 is Volvo's entry-level sedan based on the P1 platform. It fills a near-luxury niche below the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The S40 has many similarities to the Mazda3 and European Ford Focus, due to a shared platform. However, the S40 is more expensive and better equipped than both those vehicles.
Now in its second generation, the the current S40 was first introduced for the 2004 model year, and updated for 2008.
In the U.S., the car can be ordered with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. What's more, customers have a choice of two engines and two transmissions -- a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Geartronic manual shifting.
The standard upholstery in the five-occupant interior has a slightly coarse, woven feel said to be inspired by sportswear. Leather upholstery is available. The R-Design comes with unique premium leather seating surfaces. Aluminum trim is standard. Interior features include:
- Power driver seat
- Leather gearshift knob and steering wheel
- Eight-speaker sound system with in-dash CD player and USB/iPod compatibility
- Optional Dolby Pro-Logic II surround-sound stereo
- Optional automatic climate control
- Optional power glass moonroof
- Optional heated front seats
- Optional navigation system
- Optional power passenger seat
- R-Design versions include unique floormats, aluminum accents, steering wheel, upholstery and gauges
EXTERIOR
The V50's looks are similar to its S40 sibling. A V-shaped hood bulge runs down into a sculpted nose, and there's a broad lower air intake. The grille receives a larger logo this year. Exterior features include:
- Standard mirror-integrated turn signals
- Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Standard fog lights
- R-Design features aluminum roof rails, silver grille frame, rear spoiler, ground effects and unique tailpipes
- Optional power moonroof
- Optional bi-xenon headlights with articulating headlamps
All 2011 Volvo V50s are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 good for 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Volvo predicts a 0-60 sprint of 6.8 seconds, and estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
The 2011 Volvo V50 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. Optional features include integrated rear booster seats and a blind-spot warning system.
Driving Impressions
The turbocharged engine is a good performer, and it makes this car a kind of Mazdaspeed 3, only with a more refined chassis and powertrain. When the road is winding, the 2011 V50 is stable and confidence-inspiring, and it doesn't give up much to the more expensive Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series. Sadly, the discontinued all-wheel-drive option makes this car less attractive for those who live where weather is a serious issue, but the added cost had limited its appeal. Altogether, the Volvo V50 Wagon is often overlooked, yet it delivers the experience of a European-tuned wagon in a very compelling way.source:www.edmunds.com,www.cars.com,www.leftlanenews.com
