Volvo S40 Showcases Synergies

A 220-hp T5 version looks set to head a strong lineup when the wraps come off Volvo Cars' new S40 at the Frankfurt show.

The new S40-and next year's V50 wagon version — are the first all-new Volvo models developed since Ford Motor Co. bought the Swedish auto maker in 1999.

Ford, Mazda Motor Corp. and Volvo all contributed to the creation of Ford's new C1 platform that could total a massive 1.6 million Focus, Mazda3 and S40 variants annually.

Volvo's contribution to the development of the C1 is in crash performance, safety, structural design and virtual-building technology. Ford's input is in dynamics and diesel engines; Mazda in gasoline engines, powertrain and exhaust. Commonality reaches 60% in shared components and systems, yet each brand is responsible for its own styling.

A barely disguised prototype reveals styling similar to the S60: strongly tapered headlights and nose, powerful shoulders and high, squared-off tail, but with a more elegant, rounded roofline. And behind the camouflage, there is a third window in the C-pillar.

Built on the same wheelbase as the Ford C-Max, the new S40 gets a strong lineup of 4-cyl., and, for the first time in Volvo's entry-level model, 5-cyl. gas engines.