First generation (1995-2004)
US-spec 1st-gen S40 (Phase II)
Production 1995–2004
Assembly Born, Netherlands
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 1.6 L I4
1.8 L I4
1.9 L turbocharged I4
Standard in North American models and only available in North America
1.9 L diesel I4
2.0 L I4
2.0 L turbocharged I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase 100.9 in
Length 177.8 in
Width 67.7 in
Height 56 in
Related Mitsubishi Carisma, Proton Waja
The 1995 S40 saloon (sedan) and V40 estate (estate) were built in the Netherlands at the NedCar factory, a pre-Ford joint venture between Volvo and Mitsubishi Motors. It was based on common platform with Mitsubishi Carisma but the Japanese version did not sell as well in Europe. Despite the shared platform, the S40 and Carisma are not the same car. Of the 5,000 parts on the cars, 4,000 were unique to each. Of the remainder, 650 were produced by Volvo and 350 by Mitsubishi. Volvo's traditional emphasis for safety and ergonomics were thus easily identifiable in these models too.
In 2000 the 40 Series went through a facelift ("Phase II"), and a number of technical improvements were simultaneously introduced, such as improved engine management, direct (diesel) fuel injection, extra safety features, increasing the size of brake discs, new front suspension and steering, revised rear suspension, larger tyres and a slight widening of the track width.
The 40 Series cars were equipped with a 1.9 L diesel or 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0-litre fuel-injected gasoline engines, with low (2.0T) and high (T4) pressure turbo variants at the top of the motor range. The 1.9-litre was the only engine available in North America.
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