New Volvo S40 Launched by Volvo Car Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 19th August 2008: – Volvo Car Malaysia introduced the 2008 Volvo S40 sedan today. 2008 seems to be an exciting year for Volvo fans; following the introduction of the XC90 a couple of months ago, and the launch of the sporty-looking 2-door coupe C30 just a few weeks ago, the new S40, described as simply beautiful, comes with refreshed looks, and is as safe as ever.
“Like all our models, the S40 embodies Volvo’s leadership and commitment to safety and its unique Scandinavian design. Volvo’s design language draws its philosophy from nature, where everything has its place, design and purpose. It is about form and functionality complementing one another. And the result for Volvo is car designs that are artistic, intelligent, simplistic yet beautiful and elegant. In a nutshell, the Volvo S40 is simply beautiful – in every sense of the word,” said Mr. Robert Norrman, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Norrman also announced that from today, the locally assembled Volvo S40 would cost RM169,500 compared to RM181,500 (both prices are for on-the-road without insurance).
“The profile of an S40 buyer is generally someone who is young, who wants to upgrade from an Asian or Japanese brand, to enjoy a premium, luxury car with better performance and handling.
“Although we are in the premium segment, we feel that pricing the Volvo S40 a little lower would make this entry level luxury sedan even more attractive and accessible to the target buyers.
“We believe that once you own a Volvo, you would drive a Volvo for life,” he explained.
With the desire of anticipating and meeting car buyers’ needs, Volvo is launching the new-look S40 which has undergone some interesting changes in its design language and specification.
While still retaining Volvo’s trademark safety features, the new S40 is targeted to attract a wider group of young buyers looking for a compact premium car with the qualities and characteristics of a larger Volvo model. A refreshing change that the new S40 has to offer is a refined sportiness and increased premium feel, also featured is a more dynamic look and liberated storage space.
The Volvo S40 gets a completely new, sportier and more prestigious front with elements from the new Volvo S80 and V70. The front is now 3 mm longer than the previous version. The grille is completely new with an updated, deeper mesh pattern and helps to emphasize the premium feel.
The rear bumper has been redesigned and is unique for the S40 and V50 models respectively. The bumper is now 6 mm longer than the previous versions. The Volvo emblem, the so-called “iron symbol”, is now 50% larger. It is now found on more locations on the car, such as on the wheel rims and the remote control.
The headlamps are completely new, both in their form and their size, and reflect the design language of the larger, new Volvo cars.
To reduce drag and positively influence fuel consumption, the front wheel wells have been equipped with air deflectors integrated into the undercarriage of the car.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo S40 offers a spacious and flexible interior. Every passenger seat has a fold-flat backrest. With the seats folded down, the load compartment floor is entirely flat. The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and good function. The Volvo S40 saw the introduction of Volvo’s ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with illuminated storage compartment behind.
The air vents on the dashboard have been redesigned with chrome trim buttons in order to achieve better ventilation in the compartment.
The steering wheel of this model is made of fine leather that gives a more comfortable feel and provides a greater sense of quality.
The new Volvo S40 has been fitted with Volvo Audio Systems which comes with radio, 6-CD in a dash CD player, 8 speakers with audio amplifier 4X40W, diversity aerial system at the rear window and rear bumper and with audio control on the steering wheel
The Volvo S40 2.4i is fitted with an in-line 5 cylinder engine that provides 170 hp at 6,000 rpm and 230 torque at 4,400 rpm. It can reach 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and fuel consumption is a very efficient 9.1 litres per 100km. Powr is transmitted to the road through a five-speed automatic geartronic transmission
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for stable, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and high ride comfort. Volvo’s STC (Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard.
VOLVO S40 AT A GLANCE
Configuration: Front-wheel-drive
Engine: 2.4i litre, inline 5-cylinder geartronic transmission
• 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• 230Nm at 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Geartronic automatic
Key dimensions: Length: 4476 mm
Height: 1454 mm including shark fin
Width: 1806 mm including mirrors folded
Fuel Economy: 9.1 litres /100km
