Reviews and Road Tests
First Drive: 2004.5 S40 2.4i
By by: George Achorn
Nov 4, 2003, 18:14

Gibraltar - Is it possible that Volvo's most recent model, the new S40 sedan, shares several unique qualities with a large rock at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea? Having driven the new S40 2.4i onto the island of Gibraltar and learned details of each, we believe they do.

For many in the United States, Gibraltar is perhaps a little-known geographical spec or perhaps the iconic logo of the Prudential Insurance company whose tagline is "Get a Piece of the Rock."

Gibraltar is also known for its history of solidity. Located at the intersection of two continents as well as the only entrance of the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean, it has been besieged 15 times in its history. Its name was chosen by an invading Arabic leader who captured Spain in the eighth century. During the 19th century, Gibraltar was developed into a fortress of legendary impregnability while the phrase "as safe as the rock" became commonplace in British culture.

Obviously, parallels can be drawn here. Volvo's main attribute, safety, implies solidity and their crash-testing record certainly proves that aspect of their vehicles. The new S40 is no exception in this case. In addition to being 68 percent more rigid than its predecessor, the new S40 also features a new patented frontal structure with several crumple zones utilizing four grades of steel to control crumpling, collapsible pedals, dual-stage airbags, seat belt pretensioners at all four outboard seating positions, and a belt reminder for rear seat passengers (a first, but only available in European markets).

One fact we learned during our visit to Gibraltar was its territorial status. This island, no more than 2 square miles, is actually a colony of the British Empire. While those within the borders of Spain would prefer otherwise, the British have retained control of Gibraltar as an outcropping of Britishness in the Mediterranean region and a highly valuable strategic point.



During the Cold War the British Navy would identify Russian submarines as they departed the Black Sea and monitor them until they exited the Mediterranean, often sharing that information with the United States.

Visit the island today, and you'll see it is in the center of a very busy intersection of world trade. Additionally, Gibraltar is a hot partying spot and tax haven amidst the Costa Del Sol; a region also known for its plethora of party towns in their own right.

Strong parallels between Gibraltar and the new S40 can also be drawn in consideration of the Gibraltar's party atmosphere. Think of this new vehicle, based on Ford's all-new C1 platform (a.k.a. P1 in Volvo speak), as a colony for the Volvo empire.

The S40 represents Volvo moving into a new area. Sure, the current S40 sold in that league, but with five different engine/transmission choices vs. a single choice before. Combine that with the new car's significantly more charismatic nature and it's obvious that this serious new entry from Volvo sets out into new territory.

Consider this. Volvo expects a median age of 35-40 years old for the new S40, though they're targeting the car at an even younger target age range of 25-35-years old. Contrarily, the median age owner of the entire Volvo brand is 49 in the US.

It is no doubt that the S40 will appeal to younger people. Volvo is betting that many new customers to the Volvo brand will come out of more economical vehicles into their first luxury car. At that stage of life, funds are limited but requirements for the car are not. For that reason, features previously only available in more expensive models such as the S60 and V70 find their way into the new 40. Note the child safety seat in the back of our test car.

Elsewhere inside our 2.4i is more evidence of appeal for the more conservative buyer not previously shown at Frankfurt and in initial photographs of the car. The wood-finish trim, one of three initially available for the car, is handsome but unfortunately faux. Even still, the unique center-stack in the car, with it's pass-through design, looks handsome in the dark wood tones. We can't help but think that the wood-finish would look even better with more satin silver accents.

Wood is also used on a trim segment that covers the inner door grab handle and window control buttons. It's attractive, but strikingly close in design to those found on the driver's door of a Volkswagen Jetta.

On the outside, one can note the continual, if subtle, evolution of the Volvo design language. With the wheels pushed significantly out to the corners of the vehicle, the new 40 is strikingly more aggressive, though it doesn't end there.



Bumpers and bumper strips are now all color-matched to the body much like the S80. We hear that the 60 and 70-series cars will also receive this treatment when they get their mid-life upgrade sometime in the 2005 model year.

In regards to partying, even this 2.4i with Geartronic, arguably the tamest of the new S40 range, is still a very dynamic vehicle. The 2.4-liter 5-cylinder is no slouch and rowing it up through the same Geartronic 5-speed as those in S60s and V70s makes even this more conservatively appointed car rather fun to drive and surprisingly controlled.

The car's suspension is also well sorted out. Going hot into a corner and lifting off of the gas pedal will bring the car's tail willingly sliding into line. At the same time, the ride is tought but certainly not rigid. Volvo Cars North America is debating whether to retain our test car's more taught European suspension settings, or whether to soften it and offer this setup as standard on cars equipped with the optional sport package.

Under the hood resides Volvo's 2.4-liter inline 5-cylinder engine, producing 168hp and 166 lb.-ft at peak. Though not as powerful as the turbocharged T-5 models, Volvo's claimed 8.4 second 0-60mph run is certainly nothing to scoff at for the most basic engine mated to an automatic transmission. Opt for the manual gearbox on the 2.4i and that spring drops to 7.7seconds.

Driving around the tight confines of Gibraltar, one doesn't get the greatest idea of straight line performance.Whole downtown streets are built into the sides of the mountain. Those same avenues are lined with ultra-compact European cars, scooters and mopeds. These snug arteries can quickly turn into dead-ends, necessitating backwards navigation through confines not much wider than the car and three-point turns in small cross-roads.

Cross the straight back onto the Spanish mainland and jump on the limited access Autopista and the 2.4i shines even more. Torque is right where you need it, and high-speed cruising is smooth and steady.

Consider the new offerings in the S40 range and it's apparent that our Geartronic-equipped 2.4i is basically the replacement for the outgoing S40. Consider them car vs. car and the superiority of the new car is clearly obvious. The new car is miles ahead of the old in virtually every way.



Not stopping there, drivers will be able to opt for 6-speed manual transmission and/or T-5 turbocharged 2.5-liter motor should the traditional base motor and automatic transmission not float their boat.

Look over the equipment lists and option packages for the new S40 and it becomes very clear that Volvo is taking the new car much more seriously than they did the old. Virtually no Volvo technology is spared in the new car, and new buyers can opt for the same DVD-navigation systems and bi-xenon lighting as would any S80, V70 or S60 buyer.

At present, the British Empire is not expanding into new territories or creating new colonies. Sovereignty of modern nations keeps that from happening, though the small car market is not so spoken for. Volvo expects the S40 will survive and flourish in the "new world" of small cars, confirming additional V50 wagon and C50 coupe/convertible models and hinting of even more to come.

More info: idealspain.com

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