Volvo S40, Full Specifications

Spec	Value
Production Years	1995-2012 (First generation: 1995-2004; Second generation: 2004-2012)
Body Styles	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	1.6L I4, 1.8L I4, 1.9L I4 turbo diesel, 2.0L I4, 2.4L I5, 2.5L I5 T5 turbo
Displacement	1.6L-2.5L
Power	85-218 kW (114-292 bhp) depending on variant
Torque	Not confirmed across sources
Transmission	5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Drive	Front-wheel drive
0-100 km/h	Not confirmed
Top Speed	Not confirmed
Fuel Economy	Not confirmed
Weight	Not confirmed
Length / Width / Height	Not confirmed
Wheelbase	Not confirmed

Engine Variants

The S40 spanned two distinct generations with very different engine lineups.

First Generation (1995-2004): Built on a shared platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma, the early S40 shared little with traditional Volvo whiteblocks. You got a spread of transverse four-cylinder engines, 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L petrols, plus a 1.9L turbo diesel. These were decent but unremarkable engines aimed squarely at the affordable premium market.

Second Generation (2004-2012): This is where things got interesting. Volvo finally fitted its own five-cylinder engines transversely. The 2.4L naturally aspirated five made around 168 bhp. The T5 variant used a 2.5L turbocharged five pushing out roughly 218 bhp in early versions, proper whiteblock territory. Forum contributors report the T5 models share DNA with the 850/V70 five-cylinders but adapted for transverse mounting. Multiple sources note timing belt service at 70,000 miles instead of Volvo’s official 105,000-mile interval, especially on 1999+ models where increased engine bay heat accelerates belt degradation.

One member reported a 2003 S40 timing belt showing severe cracking at just 73,746 miles. If you’re shopping for a T5, verify timing belt history. Walk away if it’s overdue.

Transmission Options

Manual: Five-speed manual was standard on most variants. The second-gen cars also offered a six-speed manual on some T5 models. One forum member had their six-speed pop loudly and break, not common, but gearbox failures aren’t unheard of on higher-mileage examples.

Automatic: Four-speed auto on early cars, five-speed auto on later second-gen models. The automatics are generally robust if serviced. Volvo calls transmission fluid “lifetime,” which is code for “lifetime of the transmission if you don’t change it.” Change it every 50,000 miles or five years. There is no serviceable filter, and you need to set the fluid level precisely or you’ll cook the box.

If you’re buying an S40 T5 with an auto, insist on transmission service records. No records? Budget for a fluid change immediately.

Notable Features

• SIPS with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain: Side Impact Protection System became standard across the range, a big deal in the compact premium segment.
• WHIPS: Whiplash Protection Seating System, Volvo’s anti-whiplash seat design, standard.
• Shared platform with Ford/Mazda (second-gen): The 2004+ S40 shared bones with the Ford Focus and Mazda3. Volvo added its own suspension tuning, engines, and safety kit, but fundamentally it’s a Euro-market Ford underneath. Not a deal-breaker, but don’t expect the Swedish tank feel of an 850.
• T5 performance: The turbocharged five-cylinder T5 was the one to have if you wanted proper Volvo character. Forum members report 240 bhp from the crank in stock form, with potential for significantly more with Stage 1 mods (downpipe, tune). Multiple contributors note the second-gen S40 T5 is essentially a hot hatch in a suit.
• Timing belt as interference engine: This is critical. The five-cylinder engines are interference designs. If the belt snaps, valves meet pistons and you’re looking at a head rebuild or worse. One contributor documented catastrophic engine damage from a belt failure, head and block both wrecked.
• Compact dimensions, proper Volvo safety: The S40 brought Volvo’s crash safety engineering to the compact segment. NHTSA and Euro NCAP both rated it highly for its time.
• ISO-FIX child seat mounts: Standard across the range.

Common Issues to Watch:

• Oil leaks: Five-cylinder engines weep oil from the front cover and rear cam seal. The rear cam seal is a cheap fix if you’re doing a timing belt, but it’s often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal (expensive, gearbox-out job). Check carefully.
• PCV system: If you’re getting smoke from the dipstick or oil filler cap, or oil blow-by on hoses, the PCV system needs cleaning or replacement. This is critical, neglect it and you’ll damage engine seals.
• AC failures: Compressor clutch gap issues are common. Forum members report the clutch won’t kick in due to a faulty thermal sensor. Shimming the clutch is a known fix. Multiple sources confirm evaporator replacement requires full dash removal, budget accordingly.
• Electrical gremlins: Second-gen cars share Ford wiring and modules. Expect the odd sensor fault or module hiccup as mileage climbs.

Buying Advice: If you’re after a T5, insist on timing belt and PCV service records. Walk away from anything with a questionable service history or overdue belt. The naturally aspirated 2.4L five is less stressed but still requires the same maintenance vigilance. Avoid automatic T5s unless you can confirm transmission fluid changes, otherwise, budget for one immediately.

The S40 is not a 240. It’s not even an 850. But the second-gen T5 models offer proper five-cylinder character in a compact, safe package. Just don’t skip the maintenance.