Volvo S40 VS 1.6 16V (105 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 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)

VS Overview:

Volvo S40 (VS). With 143 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1230 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 185 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 1997
Adult Occupant 26 points (out of 34)
Stars 4
Expert Note:
The Volvo S40 (VS) achieved a commendable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 1997, highlighting Volvo's commitment to safety even in its smaller models. This was a strong result for its era.

1.6 16V (105 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The entry-level petrol engine, offering modest performance. Adequate for city driving but struggles on highways or with a full load.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is surprisingly not outstanding for its power, but still acceptable for urban use.

Best Use Case: City driving, short commutes.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent safety record for its class and era (4-star Euro NCAP)
  • • Comfortable and supportive seats, typical of Volvo
  • • Good range of engines, from economical diesels to potent turbos
  • • Solid build quality and durable interior materials
  • • Understated, elegant design that has aged gracefully

Cons:

  • • Some engines can feel underpowered or unrefined compared to rivals
  • • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact fuel economy
  • • Shared platform with Mitsubishi Carisma led to some 'non-Volvo' characteristics
  • • Rear legroom is somewhat limited for taller passengers
  • • Certain parts, especially for GDI or early diesels, can be harder to source now

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Volvo
Model:S40
Generation:VS
Modification (Engine):1.6 16V (105 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:105 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:66.1 Hp/l
Torque:143 Nm @ 4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:B4164S
Engine displacement:1588
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:5.4 l
Coolant:6.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:77 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.7 kg/Hp, 85.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.6 kg/Nm, 116.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1230
Max. weight:1750
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:415 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4483 mm mm
Width:1717 mm mm
Height:1411 mm mm
Wheelbase:2550 mm mm
Front track:1450 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/55 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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