Partnered with the S40 Sedan, the 2003 Volvo V40 Wagon
is the entry level family car for this manufacturer. Like
the Sedan the V40 has high standards for build quality,
safety and sophistication but with a difference- the V stands
for versatility. The V40 offers excellent cargo carrying
space and versatility, available extra seats and plenty
of room, even without them, for five adult passengers. Because
of its unusually small and efficient engine, the V40 gets
very competitive mileage ratings but ample power is still
available because of the turbo unit.
The designers at Volvo have incorporated of a host of visual
and performance enhancements in the 2003 V40 wagon. Oriented
toward family, the V40 has standard ISO-FIX child safety
seat restraints and, in general, offers good value for money.
Available Models
The V40 comes in one model and trim level. However, it is
possible to add one or more of several major equipment packages
to enhance and personalize a purchase.
Interior Features
The V40 has cloth and vinyl upholstery on front bucket and
rear split-folding bench seats. The V40 has almost 70 cubic
feet of cargo carrying capacity with the seats down but
versatility being the watchword; the story doesn't end there.
Child booster seats are available that could turn this wagon
into a true family vehicle with room for 5 adults and 2
children, all with three-point seatbelts and most with some
form of airbag protection.
Sport, Premium and Cold Weather Packages allow buyers to
up the luxury and comfort level with highlights like heated
seats, an upgraded audio system or a power sunroof.
Exterior Features
The exterior of the V40 is smooth and aerodynamic, allowing
this wagon to behave much like the sedan counterpart. 2003
sees the installation of Volvo's new "egg-crate"
style grille, new body-color side moulding and bumpers.
Major packages can add on both functional and form enhancements.
For example, the Cold Weather package adds headlight wiper
washers. The Sport Package, on top of aggressive 16-inch
Galactica alloy wheels, new front headlight surrounds and
a front spoiler, adds a roof-mounted spoiler to the V40.
Performance
The V40 may be a wagon but sophisticated performance enhancing
body design makes it cling to the road with the same solidity
as the sedan, with minimal lean in turns. The 2003 changes
have meant 10 more hp on the V40 as well, for a peppy 170
hp. Like the other Volvo designed cars that prize fuel economy
and environmental impact mitigation, the V40 uses a relatively
small but highly efficient turbocharged 1.9-liter 4-cylinder
engine do make the most of a small amount of fuel.
The transversely mounted, intercooled dual overhead cam
power plant generates 170 hp at 5200 rpm and 177 lb-ft of
torque at 1800. Like the sedan, the wagon gets an excellent
22/32 mpg (city/hwy).
Safety and Security
The list of safety features that Volvo routinely includes
in all models they produce is long and representative of
the leading edge in safety technology. The V40 has extensive
passive equipment with two-stage dual front airbags, side
impact protection (SIPS), whiplash protection (WHIPS), curtain
head protection and the ISO-fix baby seat attachment system
just a few examples.
 Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Volvo V40.
|
Car Reviews
Save
by getting a new car price quote online
2003
Volvo V40 - Specs
Horsepower
increase to170 (10-bhp increase from 2002).
