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The Volvo S40/V40 series is a widely successful series of compact cars introduced by Volvo in 1995. The S40 saloon is the sedan version, coming with a separate rear trunk, and the V40 versatility/estate is the station wagon version, incorporating a larger rear cargo department (which can possibly be converted into a third passenger row if necessary). Without sacrificing Volvo’s renowned versatility, the V40 broke away from traditional Volvo styling themes introducing classic curves and a renowned sporty look while still being easily recognizable as a Volvo. In an Italian award ceremony of its day, the V40 won an award for the “Most Beautiful Estate Car in the World.” With many different models and upgrades over the 15 years of its popularity, the S40/V40 series has been offered with a wide range of Volvo used engines. From the small end 1.6 liter 4 cylinder Volvo engines, to 2.0 liter 4 cylinders, to the 5 cylinder petrol Volvo engines, and even 5 cylinder turbo diesel Volvo engines, this series has been praised for its flexibility and range. With so many Volvo engines to choose from, the aim was to cater to all ends of the market, both the fuel/space economists and the speed/power aficionados, all in a compact format with a classic sporty body design. Since its original release in 1995, both the S40 series and the V40 have gone through various facelifts and upgrades to keep the series current and tweak some minor aesthetic and technical issues. In 2001, “Phase II” was implemented which improved the management and fuel injection systems of the Volvo engines, added many extra safety features and new suspension and steering mechanisms, as well as increased the size of the brake discs and tires. Aesthetically, the bodies of the S40s and V40s were streamlined, the headlights and rear lights made larger, and the instruments were modernized. New options for Volvo engines were added including a 1.9 liter turbo, which was the first of the diesel Volvo engines to be made available for this vehicle. The upgraded Volvo S40 became the first automobile ever to win four stars in the “European New Car Assessment Programme.” In 2003, a new design for the S40 was introduced. This included the addition of the T5 model which was the first time an option of 2.4 liter 5 cylinder Volvo engines were made available for this series of vehicle. This engine was transversely mounted with front wheel drive (all wheel drive now being optional) and a light pressure turbocharger. In 2005, this edition of the Volvo S40 won the Canadian Car of the Year: Best New Sport Compact award, the South African Car of the Year award, and was nominated for World Car of the Year. Together with this upgrade for the S40 came an official replacement of the V40 series by the new V50 estate. These popular and versatile automobiles, the S40 series, were again upgraded in 2007 to increase storage space and improve safety features. With this upgrade came the option of 2.0 liter diesel Volvo engines now available for the S40s, and an increase of 9 hp for the T5 Volvo engines, giving them a total output of 227 hp. About: For 2011, the S40 will make an option of Flexible-Fuel Volvo engines available, to reduce mileage and emissions. This series has been an adaptable, cutting-edge compact vehicle option for the individual or small family, ever since it first began 15 years ago. It has managed to stay ahead of the market with its many intuitive changes and upgrades, and it looks to carry on its popularity and legacy long into the far future.
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