Volvo S40 Mk1
The Swedish-Dutch collaboration that redefined Volvo's compact safety.
- Power
- 115 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.0 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
About the Volvo S40 Mk1
The first-generation Volvo S40, developed in a joint venture with Mitsubishi, marked a significant shift for Volvo towards more rounded, aerodynamic styling. Built at the NedCar plant in the Netherlands, it shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma but retained Volvo's core focus on safety, featuring the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) as standard. The 1.8-litre variant served as a core model in the range, offering a balance of efficiency and the brand's renowned seat comfort. While not a performance leader, its success in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) helped shed Volvo's 'boxy' image.
Volvo S40 Mk1 specs
The Volvo S40 Mk1 produces 115 bhp (86 kW) and 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.0 seconds and has a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h).
| Make | Volvo |
|---|---|
| Model | S40 |
| Generation | Mk1 |
| Trim | 1.8 |
| Years | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Sweden |
| Engine | 1.7-litre inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,731 cc (1.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 115 bhp (86 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 10.0 s |
| Top speed | 121 mph (195 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,286 kg (2,835 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 89 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Volvo S40 Mk1 rarity in CarSpot
The Volvo S40 Mk1 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volvo S40 Mk1 fun facts
- The S40 was originally intended to be named the 'S4', but Volvo changed it to S40 after Audi threatened legal action over their own S4 performance model.
- In 1998, Rickard Rydell won the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) driving a race-prepared Volvo S40, proving the platform's competitive potential.
- The Mk1 S40 was the first car to earn a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, setting a new benchmark for the compact executive class at the time.