In addition to conventional bodywork steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are employed: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel. In order to give each zone the relevant properties, different grades of steel are used in different areas.
The intention is that the passenger compartment should remain intact in most collisions. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment, the less the materials used deform. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The frontal body structure of the Volvo S40 is divided into several zones, each with a different task in the deformation process. Volvo’s intention was to reach the same high safety level as in the large Volvo models. The all-new Volvo S40 is a compact car with extremely high safety levels – both protective and preventive. New, patented frontal structure with several crumple zones This convex curvature reinforces the compact appearance and enhances the cabin’s width. The doors of the Volvo S40 are convex in profile, unlike the concave shape of the doors on the larger Volvo models. The long wheelbase also makes it possible to fit conveniently wide rear doors. This contributes to the sporty appearance and gives the car stable on-the-road behaviour. The track and wheelbase have been extended, virtually putting a wheel at each corner. Together with the broad shoulders, this hull shape forges a compact and athletic stance, and it also contributes to the car’s excellent aerodynamics. Viewed from above, the body resembles the shape of a boat hull, with a rounded prow, a broad midship section and a narrowing stern. The bonnet is short and there is a pronounced cab-forward profile. The new Volvo S40 is shorter, but at the same time wider and taller, than its predecessor, creating more interior space. The top half of the control panel is used to operate the audio system and the integrated phone, while the lower half controls the climate system.īehind the centre stack there is a practical storage compartment for personal items, easily accessible from both sides. Most are used for several functions, in a logical and convenient way. The controls in the new centre stack have an ergonomic and functional design. This is an entirely new solution in the car industry, specially developed for the new Volvo S40 and previewed recently in the Volvo VCC (Versatility Concept Car). The most distinctive new feature is the unique, super-slim free-floating centre stack that elegantly links together the tunnel console with the instrument panel. The exterior of the all-new Volvo S40 is an evolution of Volvo’s modern body design, while the interior is something of a revolution. The ultimate design icon of the all-new Volvo S40 This is the story about what they came up with.” Take the core properties from the 4.82 metre Volvo S80 and squeeze them into the 4.47 metre all-new S40 – a car that actually is 48 millimetres shorter than the current S40! So the designers and engineers behind the all-new Volvo S40 faced a tough challenge: The package must still include large-car properties design, driving pleasure, comfort, technology, and of course in a Volvo, large-car safety. Meaning that they might go smaller, but they don’t want less. But when it comes to premium car buyers there is one important catch More people are considering smaller cars.
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