There’s a scene in the 1996 Hong Kong movie, Feel 100%, where the leading woman tells the leading man that she’s fallen out of love with him. She complains that he’s not as daring as he used to be. He asks why. She tells him, “It’s because you’re a doctor and you drive a Volvo.”
Ouch. That’s a big blow to any man’s masculinity. Then again, you can’t blame her. Sweden has never been the home of the most hot-blooded cars on the planet. Think about it: the Italians have Ferraris, the Germans, BMWs; the Japanese, the usual assortments of Imprezas and RX-8s. What do the Swedes have? An Impreza in Saab drag (the new 9-2X).
Sure, it’s fine to say that they build the safest cars. But the fact that Volvos score a perfect five out of five in all impact tests known to man won’t exactly raise the pulse. Besides, the Germans are probably just as safe. Nowadays, it’s just as important for car buyers to see and feel the distinction rather than just to experience it in a crash. It’s a good thing that Volvo is finally beginning to understand this, and realize this in their new S40.
The prehistoric chassis of the outgoing model have been thankfully scrapped in favor of an all-new platform shared with the Ford Focus and Mazda3. The main surprise here is that the S40 still manages to retain the “Volvoness” of old. This translates to a safe and predictable handling with modest amounts of understeer (more than the Mazda), and a weighty steering feel. That said, it lacks BMW 3-series feedback, although it has been greatly improved over the old S40. Despite the generally heavy feel of the car, it manages to dish up a great deal of traffic maneuverability.
Ninety-five percent of the time, the S40 still manages to give BMWs and Audis a run for their money by producing the same solid Teutonic feel. However, in the crucial five percent of the time, the Volvo’s weakness is apparent. The Swede’s kryptonite is quick left-right; right-left corner transitions. The S40 generates huge amounts of body roll, that coupled with understeer, can cause the S40 to completely miss the apex of a corner. This could have been quelled by shutting the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) off, but unfortunately, it automatically turns itself back on in the event that the car detects a hint of slippage from the drive wheels.
The less than sports sedan handling could have been offset by a rocket-like performance ala the T4, but with the absence of forced induction in the 2.4-liter engine, that’s not the case. The normally aspirated inline-5 pushes the S40 smoothly, but not as blistering quick as one would have hoped. Still, give it enough flat space, and the S40 can push to 100 km/h from a standstill in 8.9 seconds. Fast, but not that fast enough, considering that the Honda Accord V6 can do the same feat in 7 seconds flat.
Likewise, though the transmission is responsive, if you push the throttle hard, a delay in power delivery, similar to turbo lag, is noticeable. The manual override doesn’t seem to help either as there’s still a waiting period before the computer computes for an up- or downshift.
Fuel economy, which used to be an ace up Volvo’s sleeve (thanks in huge part to the light-pressured turbo system) isn’t anything to be bragged about in the S40. It does 5.67 km/L in a city environment, compared to the T4’s previous record of 8.60 km/L despite the T4 enjoying 30 more horsepower and 70 Nm more torque.
Though the weighty body may not give the S40 a kart-like agility, it still is the unparalleled highway cruiser. It eats miles effortlessly, giving the occupants a high level of comfort thanks to a solid granite-like build quality (shaming even some of the Germans). The Noise Harshness Vibration (NVH) levels have been improved; in tandem with the supportive seats and comfort-tuned suspension, makes for the perfect vehicle to spend the entire afternoon in. However, the impressive package still makes the people at the back feel a bit shortchanged with the less-than comfortable knee room.
It’s a shame that the stodgy performance doesn’t befit the S40’s sporty treatment. The exterior proportions are spot on perfect with short front and rear overhangs, large wheel arches filled with 16-inch alloys, and neat styling details. The surface of the lamps and fenders are of particular interest, lending the S40 a highly sophisticated look without being too brash or attention-grabbing.
Inside, it commands the same sort of attention with high quality switchgear and nicely done layout. Although it doesn’t have any sort of fancy acronym for its center-stack control center, it’s logical and easy to operate—much easier than Mercedes-Benz’s systems. The layout is similar to a Bang & Olufsen stereo complete with a classy brushed aluminum finish (the S40 uses true aluminum). The minimalist treatment has been heightened with the use of an eye-grabbing ‘floating’ center console, accommodating an additional storage space at the back.
It’s funny though that the interior treatment is what summarizes what the new S40 is all about: gaining a brand-new identity. Unlike Volvos of before that had forgettable 90-degree (read: square) styling, the S40 is finally where style meets substance. The S60, S80, and even the XC90 may have the same overall curvy lines, but only the new S40 makes perfect use of that with its taut lines and butch contours. Who cares if the S40 can’t handle a corner as well as a BMW 3-series? Can George Clooney act or Madonna sing? In this world, it’s just as important to make a car desirable as it is practical. And in this aspect, the new shape is sure to turn heads, make security guards salute and women wink. A Volvo that makes women wink? You better believe it.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Jason Ang and Ulysses Ang
Edited version published in October 2004 issue of Top Gear Philippines
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