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New S40/V50
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"Under the new skin is Volvo’s version of the Ford/Mazda C1 platform that also underpins the new Mazda 3, Ford C-Max and next-generation Focus. That means independent rear suspension and the promise of ride and handling to far exceed the Mitsubishi-derived set-up of TODAY'S S40."
volvomax - Sounds like today's S40's suspension & even steering set-up is from the Mitsubishi Carisma, or would you believe the multi-link from the 960/S70 AWD is also shared w/ the Japanese-designed Carisma?
A suspension is more than just some metal parts under a car.
Consider the 960 and the S40.
Both use multilink setups, yet the S40 rides much tighter than the 960 did.
SUSPENSION TUNING is the key.
The Carisma might use the same design of suspension, but differences in tuning and esp in chassis rigidity makes all the difference in the world.
The S40 is a 15 yr old design creakid, of course its not up to the current standard.
The new S40 should be and that is what I get out of that quote.
9-2's argument: "You're not even made in Sweden!"
S40: "You aren't either!"
9-2: "I have japenese engineering backing me up!"
S40: "whatever. I'm the better car!"
Argument goes on and on until Edmunds settles it and declares a winner.
In the S40's favor I believe.
and 2) This was a big pet peeve of mine on the current S40 (though a small detail).... I hope they design the rear license plate holder to actually hold an American license plate well. The current one CLEARLY is for a European plate and, in my opinion, the overhang of the North American plate looks bad.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, either FWD 5-cyl w/ auto or AWD 5-cyl w/ stick or auto. So FWD 5-cyl w/ stick may not be available here. Besides, AWD models, which already use a little more fuel than the FWD, might even require the 5-cyl turbo. So to get a stick, you might end up using even more fuel due to both AWD & turbo. I hope the turbo part is not required for stick, as I hate turbo & kompressor. I'm sure this car is too light to fit the 5-cyl turbo in FWD form due to torque steer & wheel spin.
Judging from the S60R's AWD characteristics, it doesn't take advantage of driving the rear wheels sufficiently. So unless you really need the snow traction, which a Californian like me don't, having S40 non-turbo AWD probably only slows the car down due to mechanical drag, & might not increase your handling fun, which the future AWD BMWs do, by incorporate power rather than braking in the ESP program to control under & over steer, & possibly retaining some power oversteer(but safe) drift when switched to the "semi-off" position!
A recent AUTOCAR issue was disappointed w/ S60R's handling in this comparison:
creakid1 "Acura TSX vs Audi A4" Aug 30, 2003 3:03am
I didn't want to post this bad news here before, as most people on this board probably don't like to hear it. But then, what the heck, this might be related to the future of our baby - the new S40/V50.
Price Range:
Saab 9-2: $21K-$24K estimate. (Would fall perfectly with the 9-3, which starts at $25,995)
Volvo S40: $24-$29K estimate. (Would overlap the S60 just a little bit at the top end, but that's fine.)
I know Volvo fans are sure on this page, that is why everyone keeps on getting mad at me, but I have a little words for you myself.
1)BOO Volvo!
2)BOO Ford!
3)BOO to unreasonable vehicles, LIKE VOLVO's
According to the EPA there is a statistical difference, but its too small to justify a different rating.
In the S60's, there is only 1MPG difference between the S60 2.4 and the 2.5T.
I mean seriously, open your eyes man.
Volvo is having a banner year, their pipeline is loaded w/ new products, and even the problem child S80 is getting good ratings now.
As for safety, their record speaks for itself.
Volvos always go above and beyond what the Federal Govt requires.
If you have a concern please be specific.
Otherwise go flame somewhere else.
Is that a constant AWD or the lazy FWD that switch to AWD only when the front driving wheels begin to spin?
If it's the latter, then the fuel economy shouldn't be affected much.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Doubtless SAAB will stress the lux car experience, longer warranty and free maintenance.
The S40 T5 AWD 6spd should sticker just under $30k
The 9-2 should be in the same neighborhood.
Hey, at least it will be built better than the current SAAB/Opels
The s60R will be a great car in 2 or so years when Volvo really refines it. I think how it compares to German cars depends on your preferences, whether you like the taut German feel or the more relaxing and isolating Swedish feel.
9-2 Linear: $23,995
9-2 Arc: $25,995
9-2 Aero/Vector: $27,995
9-3 Linear: $27,595
Volvo S40 Base: $25,995
Volvo S40 2.5T: $27,995
Volvo S40 T5: $29,500
Volvo S60 2.4: $29,750
That would work just fine for both automakers. Now, about the problem with Mercedes:
A-Class is coming, but that would overlap with the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan.
The numbers you give are a little more realistic, I think, because you hit the Impreza TS based model at about $5K more than the Subaru version. I do think its a bit high, though, considering that $27K is only a couple grand higher than a WRX. So I would say the base Saab 9-2 could very will dip below $22K to keep it $2-$3K higher than a base TS. The ARc will be based on the RS, so that should start at roughly $1500 more. And then the jump up to the $27K range for the WRX-based version. So it looks more like MT's numbers only incorporated the first 2 models and not the WRX model 9-2.
Could be higher all around, we'll see.
If folks do cross-shop the base s40 with the base 9-2 and the 9-2 does come in around that $22K number, it will look like a bargain if its is as well appointed as a Saab should be AND since it comes with AWD. Tough competition for Volvo in that case.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I don't think you folks need to worry about the new S40 that will arrive in the US market late winter of next year.
Unlike the current S40, the new car will have way more interior space, better handling, and definitely more power with the 170 bhp normally-aspirated and 220 bhp turbocharged I-5 engines. Given the major improvements, I expect the S40/V50 models to eventually become Volvo's best-selling models. :-)
Thanks.
Tony
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Saab 9-2 $21,995
Volvo S40: $22,005
Volvo S40 T5: $28,999
Saab 9-2 Aero: $29,001
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I'm kind of disappointed with the limited specs offered by the Volvo website. I am anxious to find out the interior dimensions (legroom, etc.).
The interior dimensions are probably comparable to an Audi A4, a typical compact European sedan. But it is just a guess.
Actually, the AWD will be available w/ a manual only.
Car won't be available at intro though.
The R is safe for now, the S40 won't have 4C or brembos or more hp.
Look for the R to be upgraded in 2005, and maybe,maybe an S40R then.
As an aside Volvo is commiting more resources to AWD on its future models. The S40, S60 and S80 will feature multiple models w/ AWD.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The problem w/ FWD and horsepower is torque steer.
Its fine if your driving a Dodge Neon but unforgivable in a luxury car.
Are you saying no stick FWD S40 T5??? Please say it ain't so!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
But a properly setup lux sedan shouldn't.
Hence AWD on a powerful car.
At this point I don't know if there will be a FWD T5 manual.
i heard on another board there will be manual and auto available on all levels of the S40, so I'll keep hope alive.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If you look at the s40, it has a different front and rear than the s60, but more than that, the s60 has a totally unique greenhouse. The s40 is a smaller version of the s80's greenhouse, not the s60s. I tihnk it is more accurate to say that the new car has Volvo's current styling characteristics, the rear lights, the pronounced shoulders, but the s40 has some unique aspects to its styling and isn't a shortened s60.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.