The Volvo S40 II 1.6 Drive (115 hp) S/S, produced from 2011 to 2012, represented an entry-level offering within the facelifted second generation of Volvo’s compact executive car. Positioned as a fuel-efficient option, this variant utilized a diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission, targeting buyers prioritizing economy and lower running costs. It was part of the broader S40 II range, which sat on Volvo’s 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with the Mazda 3 of the same era following Volvo’s acquisition of the Japanese automaker. The “S/S” designation indicates the inclusion of Volvo’s Start/Stop technology, further enhancing fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S40 |
| Generation | S40 II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Drive (115 Hp) S/S |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp, 83.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4162T |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1372 kg (3024.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 508 kg (1119.95 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 404 l (14.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S40 1.6 Drive S/S is the Volvo D4162T, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of Volvo’s modular engine family, designed for flexibility and efficiency. It utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to increase power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine produces 115 horsepower at 3600 rpm and a respectable 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this variant, offering a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement. The Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (at traffic lights, for example) and restarts it instantly when the clutch pedal is depressed, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter diesel engine, paired with the six-speed manual transmission, provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 10.8 seconds, making it suitable for everyday commuting and highway driving. The engine’s torque characteristics meant that it felt relatively responsive in everyday driving situations, with ample power for overtaking maneuvers. Compared to the higher-output 2.0-liter diesel or petrol variants, the 1.6 Drive S/S felt noticeably less powerful, particularly at higher speeds. However, the manual transmission allowed drivers to make the most of the available power, and the gear ratios were well-chosen for both fuel efficiency and drivability. The focus was clearly on economy rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S40 1.6 Drive S/S typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with CD player, and ABS brakes. Safety features, a hallmark of Volvo, were also standard, including multiple airbags and stability control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat understated, design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The trim level was generally considered entry-level within the S40 range, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and affordable compact sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The S40 II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were typically solid discs on later models, though some earlier versions featured drum brakes. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and responsive control. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was tuned to prioritize comfort and stability over sporty handling, reflecting the car’s intended role as a practical family sedan.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S40 1.6 Drive S/S was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and low running costs. It offered a compelling alternative to other compact executive cars, particularly for buyers prioritizing economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of its competitors. Compared to the 2.0-liter diesel variants, the 1.6 Drive S/S offered significantly better fuel economy but at the expense of performance. Reliability was generally good, although, like all diesel engines, it was susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly.
Legacy
The Volvo S40 1.6 Drive S/S remains a relatively common sight on the used car market. The D4162T engine has proven to be reasonably durable, although regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term reliability. The inclusion of the Start/Stop system and the efficient diesel engine make it an attractive option for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and affordable compact sedan. While it may not offer the performance or prestige of some of its rivals, the S40 1.6 Drive S/S represents a practical and well-built car that continues to provide reliable transportation for many owners.
