Shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma

S40 is powered by a four-cylinder version of the five-cylinder powerplant that drives the larger S70

The 2.0-litre, all-alloy engine features 16-valves and twin camshafts

It develops 103kW at 6100rpm and 183Nm of torque at 4500rpm. But 90 per cent of the torque is delivered from 2000rpm

The engine drives through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox

The automatic, which features economy, sport and winter settings, is borrowed from the S70

Suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear

The multi-link system features upper and lower links and incorporates a degree of passive rear-wheel steering to improve cornering

An optional sports suspension package is available

Dynamic Stability Assistance, Volvo's traction control system, is optional

Four-wheel discs with ABS anti-locking brakes are standard

Dual front and front-seat mounted side airbags are part of the safety package

The rear seat features bolsters to allow children between the ages of three and 10 to sit high enough to get the full benefit of the seatbelt and headrest

The S40 and V40 wagon version have far more rounded lines than previous Volvos

An SE pack includes alloy wheels, leather and wood trim, cruise control, climate control and a CD player