Used 2011 Volvo S40 for sale 

The 2011 Volvo S40 is available in two different trims, the T5 base trim that is priced at $27,750 and a higher-level trim, the T-5 R-Design, which is priced at $31,150. While both trims use a standard engine and transmission setup, they are distinguished by the number of features at the user’s disposal. As standard, the Volvo S40 comes equipped with features like cruise control, fog lamps, a vehicle anti-theft system, and steering wheel controls. Both trims of the Volvo S40 have their own unique selling propositions.

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While both trims of the Volvo S40 have been curated keeping in mind the needs of the traditional buyer in the segment, the top-rack R-Design trim gives more value for the money spent. Its ultra-modern specifications like passenger lumbar support, sun/moonroof, and optional rain-sensing wipers make the S40 a valuable proposition.

The engine on duty on the Volvo S40 is a 2.5L I-5 engine that has a capacity of producing 227hp of power and 236lb.-ft of torque, which allows the car to sprint from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 7.1 seconds. While other performance figures are not known, it is revered that the S40’s engine is lively and has a lot of potential.

As standard, both trims of the S40 make use of a 5-speed Geartronic transmission and is channeled as a front-wheel-drive variant only.

In comparison, all three cars use a distinct engine setup as compared to the S40. While the Audi A4 and Volkswagen CC come equipped with an inline-4 engine, the BMW 3 Series makes use of an inline-6 unit. Additionally, the BMW 3 Series is the only car in the segment that is a rear-wheel-drive variant. In the acceleration test, Audi’s powerful engine takes an obvious lead over its competitors, clocking a time of 6.1 seconds. The Volkswagen CC and BMW 3 Series take 7.4 and 6.3 seconds respectively to achieve the same feat.

The S40 is at par with cars in the segment when considering fuel efficiency. The Volvo sedan manages 21 MPG when cruising in the city and 30 MPG when sprinting on the highway. Combined, the Volvo S40 manages 24 miles per gallon of fuel. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 15.1 gallons, which is the least voluminous in the segment. It can cover a total range of 317.1 and 453 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In comparison, the Volkswagen CC remains a notch above the S40 by averaging a combined 25 MPG. The Audi A4 manages a combined mileage of 24 MPG, while the BMW 3 Series is the least-efficient car in the segment. In terms of fuel capacity and total range covered, again the Volkswagen CC leads the pack.

The cabin of the Volvo S40 looks rather unimaginative and wearisome. While the cabin is laden with practical features, the wooden accent usage on the central console and door panels looks rather over-the-board. The central floating console that Volvo has introduced with each model in their lineup has also been added to the S40. While the cabin isn’t as impressive as one would expect, the front seats accord maximum comfort, however, the rear seats feel cramped with very little space on offer. 

The ride quality also remains subpar with uninspired handling and some noise also seeps into the cabin. The Volvo S40 has a seating capacity of 5 passengers. The total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 38.1/55.2/41.6 and 37.2/54.1/34.4 inches for the front and rear passengers, respectively. Its cargo capacity is higher than most cars in the segment, with its trunk having a total volume of 12.6 cubic feet.

While all cars have a seating capacity of five passengers, it is the Volkswagen CC that has the maximum amount of space on offer for passengers inside the cabin. In terms of cargo capacity, it is difficult to declare a certain winner. The Volkswagen CC has a total capacity of 13 cubic feet, while both the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series have equal capacity. Some standard interior features include:

• Remote Trunk Release
• Leather and Alloy on Steering Wheel
• Front and rear reading lights
• Interior Air Filtration
• Trunk Light

How intuitive is the Volvo S40’s infotainment system?

The Volvo S40 is feature-laden even from its base variant. As standard, the sedan includes features like AM/FM Stereo, Auxiliary audio input, and MP3 Player. It comes connected to an eight-speaker sound system which works exceptionally. To add more value to the infotainment system, the Multimedia Package adds features like a navigation system and a premium Dolby sound system. Other salient features include:

• Radio data system
• USB Connection
• MP3 Player
• CD Player
• Diversity Antenna

The exterior styling of the Volvo S40 falls in line with the brand’s overall design strategy. As a result, the S40 looks unmistakably a Volvo. Its headlights look subtle and sublime, while the taillights are polarizing. In its stance, the Volvo S40 looks short and precise.

The 17-inch alloy wheels do look modish but are small as per the car’s design and build. The Volvo S40 is 176.2 inches long and sports a wheelbase of 103.9 inches, which is the shortest in the segment. It weighs 3,481 lbs and is 69.7 inches in width. Its height of 57.2 inches makes it the tallest car in the segment.

In comparison, the Audi A4 is the heaviest car in the segment, while the Volkswagen CC is the lightest car weighing 3,715 and 3,300 lbs, respectively. The Audi is also the longest car, and as a result, its wheelbase is also longer than any other competitor. The Volkswagen CC’s 73 inches width makes it the widest car in the segment. Some salient exterior features of the Volvo S40 includes:

• Protection Package
• Rear Spoiler
• Sun/moonroof
• 18-inch Diamond cut wheels

The Volvo S40 scores a cent percent rating in the crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The S40 comes equipped with a large number of active and passive safety features which make it reliable and dependable. Some basic safety specifications include traction control, brake assist, and daytime running lights. Other standout safety features on the Volvo S40 include:

• Engine Immobilizer
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Vehicle anti-theft system
• Emergency Trunk Release
• Driver and Passenger Airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The potential of the Volvo S40 is evident in the way that it performs. However, its evolution since it has been on the market has not been exemplary. As a result, there are several aspects where the S40 falls short of its competitors. Its uninspired cabin, harsh ride, and subpar handling might not sit well with the traditional buyers. Consequently, we would recommend buying the S40 only for its brand value, but if you’re looking for a more sought-after option, the other three, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, or the Volkswagen CC could be your go-to sedan.