The Volvo S40 II (facelift 2007) 2.0 D4, producing 177 horsepower, was a compact executive sedan manufactured by Volvo between 2011 and 2012. This variant occupied a middle ground within the S40 II range, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It was positioned above the lower-powered diesel options and below the more potent gasoline-powered models. The S40 II, built on the Volvo P1 platform (shared with the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus of the same era), aimed to provide a sophisticated and safe driving experience in a smaller package, primarily targeting the European market where compact sedans were highly popular.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S40 |
| Generation | S40 II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 D4 (177 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 134 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp, 118.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 267 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 89.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5204T |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1498 kg (3302.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 522 kg (1150.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 404 l (14.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4476 mm (176.22 in.) |
| Width | 1770 mm (69.69 in.) |
| Height | 1454 mm (57.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S40 II 2.0 D4 is the Volvo D5204T engine, a 1.984-liter inline-five cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Volvo’s modular engine family and utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The D5204T is turbocharged and intercooled, allowing it to produce 177 horsepower at 3500 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. This broad torque curve is a hallmark of modern diesel engines, providing strong pulling power across a wide range of engine speeds. The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards, incorporating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce soot emissions. The 2.0 D4 was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, providing precise gear changes and contributing to the car’s overall efficiency. While an automatic transmission was available on other S40 II models, it wasn’t typically offered with this specific engine configuration.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 D4 with the six-speed manual transmission offers a refined and capable driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 8.3 seconds, making it reasonably quick for a compact sedan. The engine’s strong low-end torque makes it particularly well-suited for everyday driving, providing effortless overtaking and comfortable cruising. The six-speed gearbox allows for efficient highway speeds while keeping engine noise to a minimum. Compared to the lower-powered diesel variants, the 2.0 D4 offers a noticeable performance improvement. However, it doesn’t possess the outright speed of the higher-output gasoline engines. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between acceleration and fuel economy, prioritizing usability over outright performance. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides predictable handling, although it can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S40 II 2.0 D4 typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included climate control, power windows and mirrors, a CD stereo system, and alloy wheels. Safety was a key focus for Volvo, and the S40 II included features such as ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. The interior design was typically Scandinavian in style, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The dashboard layout was clean and intuitive, with logically placed controls. The S40 II aimed to provide a comfortable and well-equipped cabin for both driver and passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The S40 II utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The suspension was tuned to balance ride comfort with body control. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are typically solid discs, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S40 II 2.0 D4 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and strong diesel engine. However, some critics noted that the interior, while well-built, lacked the visual flair of some competitors. Compared to other trims in the S40 II lineup, the 2.0 D4 offered a compelling balance between performance and economy. It was more expensive than the lower-powered diesel models but provided a significant performance upgrade. Fuel economy figures of around 46.1 US mpg combined made it an attractive option for drivers seeking a fuel-efficient compact sedan. Reliability was generally good, although, like all modern diesels, the DPF could require occasional maintenance.
Legacy
The Volvo S40 II 2.0 D4, while not a high-volume seller, has established a reputation as a reliable and practical compact sedan. The D5204T engine, when properly maintained, is known for its durability. On the used car market, these models represent a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and well-equipped driving experience at an affordable price. However, potential buyers should be aware of the maintenance requirements of a diesel engine, particularly the DPF. Overall, the S40 II 2.0 D4 remains a viable option for those seeking a safe, efficient, and comfortable compact sedan.
