Volvo S40 VS 1.8 16V (122 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1255 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 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.
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.
1.8 16V (122 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-rounded engine providing competent performance for most driving scenarios. Smooth power delivery and adequate for daily use.
Fuel Economy
Expected to offer good fuel economy for a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, making it a sensible choice.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(VS: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | S40 |
| Generation: | VS |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 16V (122 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 122 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 68.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 170 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B4184S More details about the engine B4184S |
| Engine displacement: | 1783 |
| 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: | 6.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 135.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1255 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 495 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 853 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 415 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4516 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1716 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1422 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2562 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1472 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1474 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |

















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