 |
Volvo For 2000 |
By Carey Russ |
Volvo has a new entry-level sedan and wagon that are designed to bring new, younger customers into the Volvo fold. The S40 sedan and V40 wagon fit below the mid-size 70 series in the company's lineup. Other Volvos, including the 70 series of sedans, wagons, coupes, and convertibles, and the S80 luxury sedan, are unchanged for 2000.
S40 / V40
The small Volvo is new to the U.S., but has been available in Europe for several years. It's been quite successful, giving Volvo a presence in new market segments. The five-passenger S40 sedan and V40 wagon are smaller than most Volvos that have been sold here, and are designed to be affordable to a new generation of buyers. They are front-wheel drive cars, with a 1.9-liter twin-cam four cylinder engine that uses a light-pressure turbocharger to make 160 horsepower for good performance. The 40-series cars are discernably Volvos, but closer to the rounded S80 in style than the boxier S and V70. Although the interior is slightly smaller than that of the mid-size S and V70, longtime Volvo fans will feel right at home. And, all of the expected safety equipment is standard, starting with a rigid chassis structure and including sophisticated seatbelt and front and side air bag systems, whiplash-protection seats, anti-lock brakes, and nimble handling from a fully-independent suspension.
