Increased visual differentiation between S40 sedan and V50
wagon:
- S40 front with lower, broader stance
- Sportier new grille for V50
- Slimmer tail lamps and new rear bumper
- Larger and more practical storage space (front doors)
- Scandinavian real wood inlay - Nordic Light Oak
- No pricing change for Australia
- Chameleon blue, Matt gold, Gekko (sic) green added to colour
range
- Trip computer added to S40 S and V50 S
- Active headlamps available as an option across model range
A number of refining design cues position the Volvo S40 sedan a
visual step nearer to Volvo's S80 large luxury sedan.
Also for model-year 2008, the V50 approaches the new V-range and
the all-new V70 without compromising on its original compact and
sporty attributes.
"Specific to S40 and V50, we're aiming for increased
differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements
have focused on liberating smart storage space," says Volvo Cars
Design Director Steve Mattin.
Starting with the updated S40, the source of the inspiration can
be seen clearly when the compact sedan is viewed from the
front.
The new colour-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower
stance thanks to a new grille with a larger Volvo Iron Mark, new
headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire
front unlike the current model's three-part design.
"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 pushes the dynamic appearance," says Steve
Harper, who is responsible for the design of the MY2008 Volvo S40
and V50.
Sportier V50 grille
The new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo Iron Mark
emphasises athleticism. The new headlamps and the three sculpted
lower air intakes are other details that give the new
colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front stronger visual
presence.
"Here, we've created visual vertical elements to further
emphasise the new grille," says Harper.
Slimmer tail lamps
The lower part of the tail lamp panel on both the S40 and V50 is
30mm higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely
new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the
position marker lamps emphasise 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," says Harper.
Freeing up storage space
When refining the interior, the design team transformed itself into
something of a liberation movement for storage space.
"The criticism of the current models' limited storage space
served as inspiration 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 centimetre in an
efficient way," relates Harper.
The team concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides
and the floating centre console.
The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was
redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free
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.
As an added bonus, space was also freed for an extra Dynaudio
loudspeaker (only for Premium Sound), which adds even more clarity
to the audio experience.
Larger and more intelligent centre console
The already iconic super-slim centre console is available in
additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood
inlay, and the theme now flows smoothly with similar elegant soft
curved surfaces to the rear seat.
The storage space between the seats has been refined with the
help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark -
logical function.
The handbrake has a more compact design, which in turn has freed
space for more generous storage capacity within the centre
console.
Sliding cover and flexible armrest
The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which
there are also two holders that provide secure support for large
and small cups (or drink cans), is complemented by an improved
flexible armrest for the driver. This also has a built-in feature
that the design team playfully call the "hamburger table".
"We've utilised the small spaces that are normally covered over
when they're not housing controls for options or accessories.
Instead, this 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," explains
Harper, and adds: "And on the back of the console there is another
little jewel: a flip-up holder for a 1.5-litre bottle within easy
reach of passengers in the rear-seat."
New upholstery
New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also
contribute to the interior refinement in the new S40 and V50.
Contact for more information:
Laurissa Mirabelli
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
(02) 9020 1600
Lmirabel@volvocars.com