In keeping with Volvo's other newer models, the S40 has much more curvaceous lines than the boxy Volvos of the not-so-distant past. The S40 sedan and the V40 wagon are both front-drive compact cars powered by a smooth turbocharged four-cylinder engine.The exterior design is pleasing with a nice low hood that extends back in an upward line to a high trunk. The side windows are fairly large giving the car an appearance of being bigger than it actually is. The rear of the five-door V40 wagon is nicely integrated into the body so it does not look like it has been grafted onto the sedan's trunk as in some station wagon models from other manufacturers. Safety, as one would expect with Volvo, was a key consideration in designing the S40. It has the obligatory dual airbags and other mandatory safety features. In addition it comes standard with side airbags (SIPS) and a whiplash protection system (WHIPS). Development by Volvo has lead to a second-generation SIPS that activates in different ways depending on the type of accident. Volvo claims the system is effectively two airbags in one. WHIPS is the same whiplash protection system that is found in bigger Volvos. It is activated when the occupant of a front seat is forced back against the backrest and headrest in a frontal collision. The body is cushioned by the backrest, which moves back in a parallel movement. It helps prevent rebounding of the body, milliseconds after the initial impact. The front seat belts also include a pyrotechnic pre-tensioning system that automatically tightens the belts at the time of an accident. There is just one engine choice - a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower. A light-pressure turbocharger helps deliver this impressive power output and also endows the engine with great low-end torque that is so important in making an engine feel more powerful. In fact, its performance is on par with many V6-powered compact cars. Maximum torque is available as low as 1800 rpm and continues strongly all the way to 4800 rpm. Although there is no manual transmission available, this should not be a problem for those who like spirited performance. This high-torque engine works nicely with the four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has three settings - sport, economy and winter -- to suit different styles of driving.
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