Volvo S40 II 1.8 i (125 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Volvo S40:

The Volvo S40 is a series of subcompact executive cars marketed and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1995 to 2012, offered as a more mainstream alternative to the compact executive Volvo 850 and later the Volvo S60 to compete in a lower pricing bracket. The S40 was more or less positioned against premium-leaning small family cars like the Volkswagen Jetta, as well as some mass-market large family cars.
The first generation was introduced in 1995 with the S40 and V40 cars....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II Overview:

Volvo S40 (II). With 165 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2004
Adult Occupant 34 points (5 stars)
Stars 5
Expert Note:
The Volvo S40 II achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, setting a high standard for safety in its class at the time of its release.

1.8 i (125 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Entry-level performance, adequate for city driving but can feel strained on highways or with a full load.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting.

Best Use Case: Primarily city driving, short commutes, and budget-conscious buyers.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional safety ratings for its era
  • • Comfortable and supportive seats, typical of Volvo
  • • Solid build quality and premium interior feel
  • • Stylish and understated Scandinavian design
  • • T5 engine offers strong performance with AWD option
  • • Good ride quality, absorbing road imperfections well

Cons:

  • • Some entry-level engines can feel underpowered
  • • Rear legroom and interior space are not class-leading
  • • Higher fuel consumption on T5 and automatic variants
  • • Infotainment system can feel dated compared to rivals
  • • Potential for common issues with age (e.g., suspension components, electrical glitches)
  • • Steering can lack the engagement of some German rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VS: 2001 - 2004).

General:
Brand:Volvo
Model:S40
Generation:II
Modification (Engine):1.8 i (125 Hp)
Start of production:2004
End of production:2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:125 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.5 Hp/l [48mm less]
Torque:165 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:B4184S11 More details about the engine B4184S11
Engine displacement:1798
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:83 mm
Piston Stroke:83.1 mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.9 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.2 kg/Hp, 97.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 128.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1280
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:883 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:404 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4468 mm [48mm less]
Width:1770 mm [54mm more]
Height:1452 mm [30mm more]
Wheelbase:2640 mm [78mm more]
Front track:1531 mm
Rear (Back) track:1535 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)

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