Not content with winning the recent Car of the Year competition with its S40, Volvo SA has added another couple of strings to its bow in the form of the V40 2,0 turbo diesel sedan and the S50 station wagon with the same engine.
The 2,0 diesel models are probably among the most refined versions on the market in that capacity. Not only do they match their competitors in the power and torque stakes, but, more impressively, they bear little signs of turbo lag compared to the vehicles tested by Mail & Guardian Motoring, most recently BMW’s 120 and the Golf V, both of which have the same cubic capacity.
The super-smooth 16v motor uses common rail diesel injection to fuel its four cylinders to produce 100kW at 4 000rpm, while the torque is rated at 320Nm, made at a low 2 000rpm. Cleverly, there’s an over-boost function that is active for four seconds during harsh acceleration which takes this up to 340Nm, more than ample to get past slower-moving traffic. Power is fed to the front wheels via a new short-shift six-speed gearbox. The aluminium cylinder head, mounted on a cast-iron block, features four valves per cylinder, while piezo-electric injectors provide the exact amount of fuel to each of the four cylinders.
A dual mass flywheel is another clever addition, while the turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine is yet another innovation that overcomes the dreaded turbo lag. This is enough to see both versions cover the zero to 100kph dash in a respectable 9,5 seconds, while a top speed of 205kph seems realistic.
Consumption for both models is good, and on the launch in northern KwaZulu-Natal, our on-board computer recorded seven litres per 100km. The official figure from Volvo over the same distance is 5,7 litres, although six litres seems a little more realistic.
The exterior specifications are similar to those of the petrol-powered models, with front fog lamps added on the diesel versions.
All S40 and V50 models also now get a space-saver spare wheel, freeing up extra space in the boot/load area, and Volvo must be complemented on not following run-flat safety tyres — it’s simply not an option in our crime-ridden country, and the ‘marie biscuit” is a much safer option. There’s the option to order a full size spare when purchasing the vehicle and it won’t detract much from available boot space.
The interior layout is logical and easy to use. The centre stack’s curvaceous lines are appealing and very modern, but not extreme enough to make you think you’re on board the starship Enterprise.
There’s very little diesel clatter on start up once you’ve given a twist on the left hand side of the steering wheel, and pulling away is an easy affair, with much less revs required from the engine up front compared to other cars. Changing gears is a joy, too, thanks to the short gear lever and throw, and gear changes can be effected with military precision.
The ride is good from both models, with steering input very well balanced against change of direction.
The S40 tends to be the tauter of the two and the chassis feels a little more communicative than its slightly larger V50 sibling, although it can be said that both offer good feed-back without too much scuttle either.
The Volvo’s suspension is independent all-round, by struts up front and a multi-link rear. Tyres measure 205/55 on 16-inch alloys, and steering is by rack and pinion.
Standard features include climate control aircon, electric windows and mirrors, a powerful sound system with front-loader CD player and cassette/radio, and remote locking.
The steering column is adjustable for tilt and reach, while the driver’s seat is adjustable for height as well as rake and reach.
Both S40 and V50 come standard with the stability and traction control anti-spin system. Other safety features include whiplash protection system, side-impact protection system, side-impact airbags and inflatable curtains.
Thanks to the high sulphur content in our diesel, oil filters and oil need to be replaced every 10 000km, while normal services are pegged at 20 000km. This will change next year when we see sulphur levels in diesel drop to 500ppm, and Volvo anticipates that oil changes could be done with the normal service.
All models are covered by the standard five year/100 000km maintenance plan. At R240 000 for the S40, and R250 000 for the V50, Volvo has a clear winner on its hands — and it won’t be surprising to see a flood of activity on the sales floor.