### A Midnight Run Through the 40-Series
In the dark of night, the streets take on a life of their own. The city’s rhythm shifts, and the sounds of the day give way to the hum of engines and the screech of tires. It’s a time when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the rules of the road are rewritten. For Volvo, this is the perfect time to introduce its 40-Series, a compact wagon that’s as much about style as it is about substance.
### A Brief History
The 40-Series is the latest addition to Volvo’s lineup, and it’s designed to take on the best of the premium compact wagon segment. With a starting price of $23,475 for the S40 sedan and $24,475 for the V40 wagon, Volvo is hoping to attract a new breed of buyer – the Gen Xer, someone who values style, safety, and practicality.
### A Look Under the Hood
The 40-Series is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine, producing 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 4-speed automatic, and the chassis is equipped with a struts/multilink suspension and 11.1-in vented disc brakes. The V40 wagon also features a cargo-retaining “seatbelt” and a small parcel shelf just behind the rear seat.
### Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Volvo, and the 40-Series is no exception. Standard features include front and side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, WHIPS, and SIPS. The Dynamic Stability Assistance system is available optionally, and the cargo net behind the rear seat helps prevent luggage from entering the occupant compartment in a crash.
### A Closer Look
The 40-Series is a handsomely styled five-door wagon with a rounded outline and hardly a box to be seen. Visibility is excellent, and the door pillars are unobtrusive. Metallic paint options include Midnight Metallic, a “black” that’s really blue and one of the prettiest black paint jobs we’ve ever seen.
### Performance
The 40-Series is quick, with a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 16.4 seconds at 85 mph. Top speed is a thrilling 135 mph. The handling and balance are neutral, with modest understeer and no theatrics.
### Verdict
The Volvo 40-Series is a capable small wagon that establishes a beachhead for Volvo in the burgeoning premium compact-wagon segment. Fully optioned as our test vehicle was, the V40 can easily nudge into the $30,000 range, a bit steep for a “starter” family or that single Gen Xer. Perhaps those fiercely independent 30-year-olds can do without heated seats, stability control, a sunroof, a trip computer, leather upholstery, and headlamp wipers/washers, and still make it to that elusive somewhere.
### Counterpoints
Who’s this wagon for? Is it for style-conscious soccer moms under 40 who must have panache, who recoil from minivans? Or is it for those who value the ordinary, who prefer the hum of a diesel engine over the roar of a turbocharged powertrain? The 40-Series is a complex creature, and it’s up to the buyer to decide whether it’s the right fit.
### Specifications
| **Specification** | **Value** |
| — | — |
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| Base Price | $24,475 |
| As Tested | $29,825 |
| Options | Sunroof package, Sports Plus package, Cold Weather package, metallic paint |
| Engine | Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4 |
| Displacement | 119 in 3, 1948 cm 3 |
| Power | 160 hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Chassis | Struts/multilink suspension |
| Brakes | 11.1-in vented disc/10.2-in disc |
| Tires | Michelin MXV4 195/60VR-15 |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 100.4 in, Length: 176.5 in, Width: 67.6 in, Height: 55.6 in |
| Passenger Volume, F/R | 49/37 ft 3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind F/R | 61/30 ft 3 |
| Curb Weight | 3065 lb |
### C/D Test Results
| **Specification** | **Value** |
| — | — |
| 60 mph | 8.3 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 16.4 sec @ 85 mph |
| 100 mph | 23.3 sec |
| 120 mph | 45.6 sec |
| Rolling Start, 5–60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Top Gear, 30–50 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Top Gear, 50–70 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Top Speed (drag ltd) | 135 mph |
| Braking, 70–0 mph | 181 ft |
| Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad | 0.76 g |
| Interior Sound, Idle | 48 dBA |
| Interior Sound, Full Throttle | 78 dBA |
| Interior Sound, 70-mph Cruising | 70 dBA |
| C/D FUEL ECONOMY | Observed: 24 mpg |
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY | Combined/City/Highway: 2/28 mpg |
### Description
The Volvo 40-Series is a capable small wagon that establishes a beachhead for Volvo in the burgeoning premium compact-wagon segment. With its turbocharged powertrain, stylish design, and extensive safety features, it’s a compelling choice for those looking for a practical and safe vehicle.
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