Volvo V40, Full Specifications

Key Specifications

Spec	Value
Production Years	1995-2004 (first generation), 2012-2019 (second generation)
Body Styles	4-door sedan (S40), 5-door estate (V40), 5-door hatchback (V40 second gen)
Engine(s)	1.6L-2.0L petrol I4, 1.9L diesel I4, 2.5L petrol I5 turbo (T5)
Displacement	1.6L (1588cc), 1.8L (1783cc/1834cc), 1.9L diesel (1870cc), 2.0L (1948cc/1984cc), 2.5L (2435cc)
Power	90-254 hp depending on variant
Torque	Not comprehensively confirmed across all variants
Transmission	5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, CVT (second gen)
Drive	Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD, second gen only)
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 first-generation V40 (1995-2004) was essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Carisma, built at the NedCar plant in the Netherlands. Engine choices ranged from modest 1.6L and 1.8L petrol fours up to the sporty 2.0L turbo. A 1.9L turbodiesel was also available. The second-generation V40 (2012-2019) moved to Volvo’s own platforms and offered a broader range: 1.6L and 2.0L petrol fours (including turbocharged T3, T4, and T5 variants), plus 2.0L diesels (D2, D3, D4). The hottest variant was the T5 with 254 hp, using Volvo’s 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder in early models or the later 2.0L four-cylinder turbo. Cross Country versions added raised suspension and AWD.

Transmission Options

First-gen cars came with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The second generation offered 6-speed manuals, 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatics (known for reliability issues), and later an 8-speed conventional automatic. Some early second-gen models used a CVT. The automatics are competent but the DCT can be troublesome, clutch pack failures and juddering are common. If you’re buying used, walk away from a Powershift with hesitation or strange behaviour. The manuals are generally solid, though clutch master cylinder issues pop up occasionally (slow pedal return, intermittent stickiness).

Notable Features

• City Safety: Autonomous emergency braking standard from 2013 onwards, a big deal when new
• Sensus infotainment: Touchscreen system introduced on second-gen cars, love it or hate it, but it’s a step up from older Volvo setups
• SIPS and IC: Side Impact Protection System with inflatable curtains standard across the range
• Cross Country variant: Raised ride height, plastic cladding, and AWD option (second gen only)
• R-Design trim: Sporty seats, blacked-out trim, stiffer suspension, purely cosmetic on most variants but looks the business
• Compact packaging: Second-gen V40 is genuinely practical inside despite its small footprint, rear seats fold flat, boot’s decent for the class
• LED headlights: Available as an option on later second-gen cars, Thor’s hammer DRLs became a Volvo signature
• Digital instrument cluster: Optional on facelifted second-gen models, rare to find but very slick

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Buyer’s notes: The first-gen V40 is now a budget classic, cheap to buy, parts shared with Mitsubishi so spares aren’t impossible, but rust is the killer. Check sills, wheelarches, and suspension mounts thoroughly. The second-gen V40 is a proper modern Volvo: safe, stylish, decent to drive. Avoid the Powershift auto if you can, and budget for potential electronics gremlins (infotainment glitches, sensor failures). The T5 is the one to have if you want proper shove, but the D3 diesel makes a sensible daily if you’re covering miles. Either way, this is a car that rewards you for looking after it, and punishes you if you don’t.