New 2005 Volvo S40 and V50 to Arrive Next Month with Aggressive Prices

Redesigned 2005 S40 is Priced $1,500 Under Outgoing 2004 S40

If youve never thought a Volvo was in reach maybe nows the time to reconsider. What has changed? Volvo will be offering its all-new S40 for just over $24,000, and its no bare bones economy car either.

The new 2005 S40, as stylish as its larger S60 sibling and even more distinctive in its interior treatment, will arrive on the scene in July for only $24,190. This price undercuts the outgoing 2004 S40 by $510 while offering a more refined car with greater premium feel.

"As with our entire lineup, the all-new S40 continues Volvos commitment to offering great value, while enhancing safety, performance, style and comfort," commented VCNA President and CEO, Vic Doolan. "Pricing the all-new S40 at around $24,000 opens up our product line to a whole new customer base that has, until now, never considered a Volvo."

The 2005 V50 sport wagon is expected to be priced lower than the previous V40 just like the sedan. Its definitely a buyers market and Volvo is only too aware that many rivals are vying for the same slice of consumer pie.

New for 2005, base S40 2.4i sedan and V50 2.4i include a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment - the 04 model included a standard 5-speed automatic. The addition of the manual allowed Volvo to drop the price of the new cars while offering enthusiast drivers a transmission choice that better suits the cars performance-oriented capabilities, while benefiting fuel economy and emissions.

What are the differences between the old S and V compacts and the new ones arriving next month? Pretty well everything. The new cars deliver 68 percent greater torsional rigidity, benefiting premium car solidity, handling and crash worthiness.

As usual safety is a high priority at Volvo, and the new models will feature a full assortment of top-tier active and passive safety features as standard equipment. Also, base models are equipped with unique T-Tec upholstery, an exclusive material available only on the Volvo S40 and V50 line.

With regards to handling the new compact Volvos feature a MacPherson strut suspension in front and a multi-link setup in the rear, with a standard 16-inch wheel and tire package connecting everything to the road.

S40 and V50 2.4i cars get Volvos naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter 5-cylinder sending 168-horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. A 5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic sequential manual-type shift capability is available.

Those wanting more performance can opt for the T5, replacing the 2.4-liter engine with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder complete with an intercooled turbocharger, developing 218 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. T5 models get a standard 6-speed manual or can be had with the optional 5-speed automatic, again with Geartronic sequential actuation. New for this class, the T5 also offers optional Haldex all-wheel drive, which will distribute between 5 and 95 percent of power between the front and rear wheels depending on the traction available to each wheel. T5 prices start at $26,990, only slightly higher than less expensive and than the less powerful 2004 Audi A4.

The new Volvos present a serious threat to premium rivals in base form or when fully featured.