Volvo Reveals S40, V50 Facelifts

Volvo Cars set forth a number of distinctive facelifts made to the new S40 sedan and the V50 wagon. The modifications are made to respond to the growing needs of drivers and car occupants alike. The Volvo S40 is given cues that resemble the S-range look shown on the S80 car. The V50, on the other hand, flaunts the new V-range without compromising the original compact and sporty features.

"When it comes to the exterior, we're aiming for increased differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements have focused on liberating smart storage space," said Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

The facelift made to the new S40 could be obviously seen when it is viewed from the front. Volvo?s pool of engineers and designers have given the car new headlamps, color-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower stance through the new grille with a larger Volvo mark, and a lower air intake. The Volvo S40 is the modern replica of Volvo 740 parts to bolster the evolution aimed at pushing away its boxy image.

"The new, lower and more horizontal appearance radiates smooth power. This impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the new tail lamps and the new bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance," said Steve Harper, the designer of the new Volvo S40 and V50.

The new V50 features the new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark to stress a sportier aura. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are the features that give the new color-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased inkling of solidity. "Here, we've created visual vertical elements in order to further emphasize the new grille," said Harper.

The lower part of the tail lamp panel given to both the S40 and V50 is 30 millimeters higher than the previous version and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasize the car's shoulders.

The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe. "The improved shape and position of the exhaust tailpipes is a good example of how a little extra visual touch can create a highly potent impression," noted Harper.

To refine the interior and to attain liberation movement, the vehicles are given more storage space. "The criticism of the current models' limited storage space served as high-octane fuel when the time came to sketch the new interior of the S40 and V50. We weren't entirely satisfied until we felt we had exploited every single available cubic centimeter in an efficient way," said Harper.

The team of designers and engineers concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides and the centre stack. The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drinks can or a water bottle lying down.

Other remarkable features of the car include larger and classier centre console with additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, elegant sliding cover and flexible armrest, brake lights with EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) function, a new upholstery and green highlight color, and an even sharper driveline range. Also, diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of the Volvo S40 and the Volvo V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total, are available in three versions: the 1.6D 109 hp, 2.0D 136 hp, and the D5 180 hp.

"We've even utilized the small spaces that are usually simply covered over when they're not housing controls for options or accessories. Now instead, the space has been converted into a handy compartment, for instance for a mobile phone. After all, the phone is not something we should be using while driving, anyway," explained Steve Harper.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field. Please visit Volvo 740 parts for more information.