Next Volvo S40 may grow to be 3-Series fighter
03-02-07, 10:00 PM
#1
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Next Volvo S40 may grow to be 3-Series fighter
Scoop: 2009 Volvo S40
Friday, March 02, 2007
Taking several design cues from the XC60 SUV concept, German magazine Autozeitung has come up with a photoshoped image of the next generation S40 which is expected to come out late 2008 - early 2009. Although nothing’s certain yet, according to a previous report I read on Automotive News who citied a Volvo manager, the 2009 S40 will replace both S40 and S60 models. If that happens, inevitably, the new S40 will grow in length to over 4.5m (matching the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class & Audi A4) thus closing the gap on today's 4.58m long S60. That means that Volvo will most probably base the S40 on the Mondeo / S-MAX platform and not on the Focus platform as it did with the current model.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Taking several design cues from the XC60 SUV concept, German magazine Autozeitung has come up with a photoshoped image of the next generation S40 which is expected to come out late 2008 - early 2009. Although nothing’s certain yet, according to a previous report I read on Automotive News who citied a Volvo manager, the 2009 S40 will replace both S40 and S60 models. If that happens, inevitably, the new S40 will grow in length to over 4.5m (matching the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class & Audi A4) thus closing the gap on today's 4.58m long S60. That means that Volvo will most probably base the S40 on the Mondeo / S-MAX platform and not on the Focus platform as it did with the current model.
03-02-07, 10:48 PM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Doesnt sound like a good move if you ask me. S60 is the bread and butter vehicle in the Volvo line up. Outside of the XC90 SUV, this is Volvos best seller. I would like to see the line up the same way as it is. S40 directed towards TSX 325i competitors, and S60 aimed at 335i, TL, and the rest.
There problem IMO is that they do not keep there models fresh. VERY long life spans with very little changes.
There problem IMO is that they do not keep there models fresh. VERY long life spans with very little changes.
03-03-07, 09:31 PM
#4
Volvo is moving up...I am interested in seeing what comes next from them. Although I feel their design transformation isn't complete yet...or is that them wanting to stay to their historical identity?
03-04-07, 08:39 AM
#7
i wouldnt make another 3er fighter....we have enough cars in the C-segment. Might as well take advantage of their brand image, and go with safety, and design. I think theyre on the right track now, maybe a S40R, but I hope they dont go flat out against the 3er.
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03-04-07, 03:48 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
What is interesting about Volvo is that they actually had better sales, as a percentage of the marketplace, when their products all looked and drove like motorized shoeboxes. They actually STOOD for something.....frumpy looks, crashworthiness, occupant protection, a rock-solid unit body, and, of course, just like with the newer ones, bulbs constantly burning out from the rather poor-quality wiring and electronics. They were worshipped by, and sold like hotcakes to, those who placed safety above all else......Joan Claybrook, who ran the NHTSA under Jimmy Carter and now works with Ralph Nader, drove them for many years.
But now that they look and drive like so many other contemporary vehicles.....with the humpback-roof, aero-look front and rear ends, FWD/AWD and sport-sedan versions, low-profile tires, etc..... their sedans don't seem to have the same appeal in the marketplace.....too many other, more popular brands, offer the same thing. The XC90,however, has indeed been a success despite its poor repair record.
For instance, while I recently reviewed a new S80 V8 AWD, and whle it was a nice car in some areas, was not that terribly impressive for what it cost.
But now that they look and drive like so many other contemporary vehicles.....with the humpback-roof, aero-look front and rear ends, FWD/AWD and sport-sedan versions, low-profile tires, etc..... their sedans don't seem to have the same appeal in the marketplace.....too many other, more popular brands, offer the same thing. The XC90,however, has indeed been a success despite its poor repair record.
For instance, while I recently reviewed a new S80 V8 AWD, and whle it was a nice car in some areas, was not that terribly impressive for what it cost.
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