2011 Volvo S40

The 2011 Volvo S40 is classified as an upscale small car and is ranked 6 out of 10 based on Reviews, test drives and car specification analysis. Like most Volvo’s the S40 is plagued with criticism regarding performance, reliability, limited cargo space but is praised for its interior and exterior design as well as its superior standard safety features.

Performance

The Volvo S40 provides an exciting and safe ride that had a lot of reviewers surprised. However, in contrast with its impressive 227 horsepower motor the S40 lags behind its rivals in responsiveness and excitement in terms of driving. The all wheel drive which improves performance is only available in pricier trims/models such as the T5 but transmission, especially automatic is smooth and surprisingly responsive.

Also the S40 has a standard Geartronic transmission which is basically a semi-automatic transmission. Therefore enthusiasts who want an all automatic transmission will be disappointed.

The S40 comes in four door and a Front Wheel Drive Automatic Turbocharged inline-5 2.5Liter engine. Mileage is 21 miles per gallon in the City and 30 miles per gallon in the Highway.

Exterior

Receiving a lot of kudos in terms of exterior styling, every reviewer has come to appreciate the refined yet sporty exterior of the S40 which easily turns heads of professionals and sports enthusiast alike. This is in marked contrast to the Volvo of several years ago that was square and old.

Interior

Two words come to mind when looking into the S40 interior, minimalist and classy. There are rarely any complaints in the front end of the cabin, but passenger legroom, head clearance as well as cargo capacity leaves a lot to be desired for, especially considering that this is a mid ranged automobile.

Safety & Reliability

This is a Volvo after all, known for their attention to safety, though the federal government has not yet set any crash tests on the 2011 Volvo S40 but since most of the S40 features remain unchanged then the five out of five stars of the 2010 S40 results is still applicable. This coupled with Good and Acceptable insurance standards indicate Volvo is still synonymous to safety. Preventive safety include auto-off rear fog light, anti-skid system, anti-lock brakes , side marker lights, stability control, traction control, blind spot information system, and did we mention there are six additional airbags.

People have come to trust the reliability of Volvo made vehicles. This is based on three years product trending. Basic Volvo warranty means 4 years or 50,000 miles and five year complimentary factory maintenance.

Competition

However, regardless of the S40’s stellar performance it is still outclassed by the BMW series-1 (MSRP $29,450; 18 city / 28 hwy) which has a very rich interior. The Volkswagen GTI (MSRP $23,695; 21 city / 31 hwy) is a cheaper alternative and provides a diesel engine for added fuel economy but in terms of styling and creature comforts GTI pales in comparison to the S40. The Audi A3 (MSRP $27,270; 21 city / 31 hwy) is probably its worst competitor because of the price, but it provides for a classier interior, sportier exterior and a lot more driving excitement than the S40. The S40 like most Volvos is a car rooted in safety and that is probably its greatest asset.

Overall Rating
63 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Volvo S40 is unremarkable from a styling standpoint, though it’s even by today’s fashion sense a well-sculpted small sport sedan.”Car Connection

“Volvo says the S40 does 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. These turbocharged premium compacts are snappy and suffer little irksome lag. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive.”Consumer Guide

“Not quite a luxury sedan despite premium pricing; handling falls short of that seen in true sport sedans; awkward navigation system interface.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for a premium compact sedan loaded with features at a very modest price, spend some time behind the wheel of a 2011 Volvo S40.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $27,750.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 176.2 in. (447.5 cm) Width: 69.7 in. (177 cm)
Height: 57.2 in. (145 cm) Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3338 lbs (1514 kg) Curb to Curb Turning Radius: 34.9 ft.
Luggage Capacity: 12.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.5L DOHC inline-5 Displacement: 2.5 liters
Horsepower: 227 HP Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-5000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:S40 R Design MSRP: $31,150; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy

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