Volvo V40 1995–2000 car dimensions: 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide and 1413 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,320 kg. Braked towing is 1,400 kg.
The cabin seats five with solid front space and adequate rear room. Air conditioning is standard across the range. Electronic climate control and cruise control appear on SE and higher grades for set-and-forget temperature and easier motorway runs. Basic controls sit on a clear dashboard with a radio-cassette unit. No electronic parking aids or modern screens feature.
Boot holds 413 litres with seats up and expands to 1421 litres when the split-folding rear bench goes down. A load cover and flat floor make it easy to carry shopping or weekend gear.
Braked towing reaches 1400 kg and unbraked 500 kg. Payload sits near 437 kg depending on specification. The estate body suits light family or work loads with folding seats and a practical load bay. Dynamic suspension is fitted on T4 models.
The cabin offers ergonomic front seats with adjustable lumbar support and height-adjustable driver's seat as standard. Cloth upholstery is base, with leather and power driver's seat available on higher grades or packages. Air conditioning is fitted, along with electric front windows and heated door mirrors. A power glass sunroof is optional. The estate layout gives flexible rear space with split-folding seats and good load practicality. Visibility is strong and the interior feels solid with clear controls.
Petrol combined fuel use around 8.5-9.3 l/100 km depending on engine. diesels lower.
Service interval 15,000 km.
Euro NCAP 4-star adult occupant rating (1997 S40 test).
Standard safety: ABS with EBD, SIPS, front and side airbags, WHIPS, seatbelt pretensioners, three-point belts all seats.
Fuel consumption varies by engine. Petrol versions return combined figures in the mid-to-high 8 l/100 km range on official cycles. Diesel options are more frugal. Tank capacity is 60 litres.
Servicing follows a 15,000 km interval. Timing belt changes are specified at longer distances such as 120,000 km on some engines. Regular oil and filter changes keep the modular four-cylinder engines reliable.
Safety equipment is strong for the era. Side airbags were standard on this compact model, paired with SIPS structure, WHIPS whiplash protection, ABS and pretensioners. It achieved the top 4-star Euro NCAP result among family cars tested in 1997. DSA traction control is optional on some versions.
The car is practical to keep as an estate with good load space. Look for full service history. Common points include brake discs and front suspension wear over time, but corrosion protection is effective.
Length 4483 mm, Width 1717 mm, Height 1413 mm, Wheelbase 2550 mm (V40 1995–2000)
Sources: manufacturer data, Volvo 1997 press release.