Volvo V40 (96-04) - Review

The range has a comprehensive equipment list which includes electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors, six-speaker stereo radio/cassette, body-colour bumpers, SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), front seat lumbar adjustment, height-adjustable steering column. XS models add 15" alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, protective side mouldings, remote central locking with deadlocks, CD player, height-adjustable driver's seat, lumbar-adjustable passenger's seat. CD models add to base specification: CD multi-changer, trip information computer, wood fascia trim, cruise control and leather upholstery. SE models combine the features of both XS and CD (from September 98 with CD player and wood trim). 2.0T light-pressure Turbo models have twin headlights, body-colour side mouldings, oval exhaust tailpipe and steel wheels. T4 high-pressure Turbo models have 16" alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lights in front bumper, rear spoiler and DSA Dynamic Stability Assistance traction control. Special Xi models (December 99) have chrome grille, double headlamps, special trim and 16" alloy wheels. Second generation cars from May 2000 have revisions including new bumpers and rear lamps, double headlamps on all models, restyled alloy wheels, wider track and longer wheelbase with upgraded front suspension to improve handling and ride, uprated 2.0T and T4 2.0 turbo engines, and new common rail 1.9 turbo-diesel engines giving 102 bhp or 115 bhp. Auto option on 1.8 and 2.0 petrol models is a new five-speed transmission. Sport models (Oct 2000) have front and rear spoilers, double headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, half leather upholstery and special black interior trim. Sport Lux versions (Oct 2001) combine Sport spec with luxury equipment similar to SE. Revisions in Oct 01 included: 'Solaris' alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery and leather-trimmed steering wheel on S; new style alloy wheels and sports-type dials on Sport; Dynamic Stability Traction Control system on 2.0T; new style 16" alloy wheels and gas discharge headlamps on T4. Revisions in May 02: black grille, new four-dial instruments; electric rear windows, front fog lights, passenger airbag and improved seats on all models; larger 16-inch alloys on SE and Sport Lux; detailed engine modifications on 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0T to reduce emissions. Option packs available individually or combined: 'Handling': fog lamps, sports suspension, alloy wheels; 'Comfort': electric sunroof, remote central locking with deadlocks, cruise control, illuminated vanity lamps, rear armrest, reading lamps; 'Audio': uprated stereo, CD autochanger, electric aerial; 'Luxury': leather upholstery, wood trim, air con; 'Business': includes cruise control, alarm, remote central locking, deadlocks; 'Winter': heated front seats, headlamp wash/wipe, luxury floor mats; 'Premium': electric driver's seat and rear windows; 'Prestige': leather steering wheel, red wood trim, 15" alloy wheels, jacquard upholstery; 'Sports': leather sports steering wheel, red wood trim, 16" alloy wheels, rear spoiler, part-leather upholstery; 'Estate': load compensating self-levelling suspension, roof rails, nylon safety net. Dealer-fitted optional accessories available individually include headlamp protectors, fixed towbar, quick-release towbar, Volvo child seat, hazard warning triangle, first aid kit, TRACKER satellite tracking security system, RTI Road and Traffic information system, reversing sensor, rubber floor mats, steel safety net (on estates) and roof load carrier bars.