We're fans of the Volvo S40, as it's one of two ways to experience Ford's C1 chassis in the U.S. (the other being the Mazda3). Currently the S40 slots neatly at the bottom of Volvo's lineup, but word is that the next generation will grow substantially and replace both the current S40 and the S60 in Volvo's lineup. German site Autozeitung has whipped up this batch of renderings that preview what the next S40 may look like based on Volvo's current design language and cues previewed on the XC60 SUV concept. The rendering shows the S40 as about the size of an Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series, which means that Volvo may jettison the C1 chassis in favor of Ford's European C/D class platform, also known as the EUCD. Currently the EUCD underpins the Volvo S80, as well as a few European Ford people movers and the Land Rover LR2. It is also the underpinning for Bond's favorite rental car, the new Ford Mondeo. Regardless of whether the next-gen S40 replaces the aging S60, the prospect of Volvo producing a true 3-Series competitor is good news. [Source: Autozeitung, Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh @ Mar 2nd 2007 2:12PM
This will make it roomier inside than an S80, much less the S60. On paper at least Volvo has managed to field three sedans that have virtually identical amounts of total legroom (front + rear).
I've criticized the S80 for having too tight a rear seat for a flagship. And now they want to grow the S40? These people need a lesson in product strategy.
My reliability and price comparison site's page for the S40:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/S40.php
No realibility results for the S40 yet, though I've been collecting data on the car. Maybe with the next quarterly update in May.
C. A. Martin @ Mar 2nd 2007 2:15PM
That'd finally be a bold step for Volvo...they spend too much time outside the Euro heavy hitters' games.
Scott @ Mar 2nd 2007 2:46PM
Bigger, bigger, bigger. I am so tired of cars getting bigger. Put a new 3-series next to my 1998 540 and you will be hard pressed to visually identify which one is the larger car. I think the current S40 is a very good size with good proportions. Retune the suspension, gearbox, and motor instead and leave the dimensions and platform alone.
BLS @ Mar 2nd 2007 3:17PM
I agree with #3. Not only is every car getting bigger. They all want to move upmarket. I want to know how much 'upmarket' there is? It must be a lot, there are tons of new luxury brands (think japanese), Subaru is trying, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai at least on their top end, VW.
You can't buy an non 'upmarket' european car. I guess affordable and cool, don't go together.
OT: I was thinking C30, but I was not terribly impressed when I saw one in the flesh. Even if it is pretty cool they will make it to expensive to justify. The turbo engine isn't even 100hp/liter. It will probably be overweight. It is FWD. Is that worth around $30,000. Would you bet a decently equip one would be much cheaper? I would like to know.
Steve @ Mar 2nd 2007 3:44PM
Don't forget that the Euro Ford Focus is on the same platform. I believe that sells far more in europe than the s40 does.
DJ @ Mar 2nd 2007 4:17PM
The only real news here is the design concept sketch. This has been rumored for quite a while now. In the end, the C30 will spawn a sedan and a crossover, the S40/60 will become one, the S80, which is really sized to compete against 5-series/A6/E-Class, will continue and a new flagship will appear, probably sharing the new Jaguar XF platform to compete against the 7,8 & S classes respectively.
Bob-o @ Mar 2nd 2007 4:39PM
Nothing will ever be a 3 series fighter until you make it RWD. Thus far, only Infiniti has gotten that correct.
Nick @ Mar 2nd 2007 4:55PM
C30 not coming to US then?
J @ Mar 2nd 2007 4:57PM
the picture of the s40 rendering is FANTASTIC.
lalaland @ Mar 2nd 2007 5:00PM
Enough with the pretending. Unless the new platform is rear-wheel drive, the Volvo S40 will never be even close to a 3-series competitor. The current C1 and European C/D platforms are both front-drive, with all their inherent handling limitations.
Sampson @ Mar 2nd 2007 6:34PM
exactly, if it ain't RWD it might as well die
omar @ Mar 2nd 2007 6:42PM
Why is everybody downing Volvo, I think the car company is trying to move up market, introducing new and more luxurious sedans. I think Volvo will eventually adapt AWD to all of their vechiles becoming more of and Audi contender. By the way could somebody send me the link to the full size picture of this next generation S40.
DJ @ Mar 2nd 2007 9:48PM
#12 - That's an OUTSTANDING point! When was the last time Audi built a RWD car? Hmmm.....
Yet they're constantly cpmpared favorably with BMW.
Doogs @ Mar 3rd 2007 12:08AM
#12 and 13 have it right.
Build it on the EUCD platform. Give it a decent range of motors. I'd start with the T5 and that new Ford 3.5L (and a diesel for the U.S. - hey, I can dream).
Next add AWD and a design even half as cool as that rendering. Then fly some Mazda guys over from Hiroshima to take a look at the suspension and steering.
Finally, change the name to S50 and get it to the dealers.
If Volvo pulls it off, I might actually consider buying a Volvo.
Michael B. @ Mar 3rd 2007 2:20AM
Ford oversees this company and they render a car that is way more interesting than anything Ford could produce here. Is it just me or is there something very wrong about this?
omar @ Mar 3rd 2007 7:11AM
Volvo need not use Ford engines. Notice that since the brand has been bought by Ford everything that they use from Ford was co-developed by Volvo (the new S40, the new S80, even the new engines). Volvo know just what they are doing, and about that s50 sedan #15. Volvo should re aline like this, make the S40 bigger to compete with the C class, keep the S60 to be more of a compeititor of the Lexus ES, the s80 would directly compete withe the Lexus GS and the E class, and spin off a new large sedan from this new Jaguar XF platform and call the car the Volvo S100.
If Volvo does this then the German three really have something to worry about.
zoldfulu2000 @ Mar 3rd 2007 1:35PM
As a current S40 owner, I specifically opted for it partly due to its size.A small family need no 4.7m sport sedan, and the extra parking space required by a Lexus or an Alfa 159 is often not available in large metropoles. In fact the S40 is the only premium mid size (in EU terms) sedan on the market. The prevous 3er saloon, the Alfa 156 or the previuos Audi A4 were all best sellers, and nobody wanted a bigger one to replace them. Volvo made a smart move to make such a saloon with the S40.
mike @ Mar 4th 2007 9:15AM
I've had several 3 series and currently have an S40. The S40 is about as perfect in size as I could find. It's small enough to be tossable but large enough for 4 adults to go to lunch in (no one ever complains about lack of leg room behind me and I'm about 6'-1".
That being said, I do really like the renderings of the future S40. I just hope it doesn't grow too much. Regardless, the next car I buy will most likely be a diesel. That C220 Merc just introduced is looking better and better (45+ mpg!). I'd like to stick to Volvo but, I don't know if they will get a diesel here soon enough.
omar @ Mar 6th 2007 8:00AM
I simply won't drive another car. I currently own a
1987 volvo 740
1997 volvo 850
2001 volvo s80
and I am trying to aquire a 1967 volvo 164
VOLVO is the best luxury car. Built for Life