2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Sports models are known to be a tried and tested means for car manufacturers to stand out from the crowd. The high-performance training partners are very popular. Volvo is now taking a different approach.
By Stefan Grundhoff
What the S and RS models have been for Audi, for BMW the M GmbH and for Opel his OPC team have been the Volvo R models for the Swedes for years. After the Volvo 850 T-5R, which was introduced in 1994, the successors S60 R and V70 R were seen from 2002 as very sporty and elegant expansion stages of the Scandinavian way of life - in addition to luxury interiors, they are now 300 hp and equipped with variable all-wheel drive and electronic chassis.
«R» life philosophy
But surprisingly, the Swedes are now rowing back. With the model year 2007 it was that with the two R-life models. The in-house sports cannons were canceled without replacement. Instead, design packages with the designation "R" and a small logo in the radiator grille are now available for all model series. The C30, S40 and V50 make the start. The larger models should also follow in the medium term.
The most important difference to the previous R philosophy: Anyone can drive an «R» in the future. The sports package consisting of a sill set, partial leather interior, upgraded interior and 17-inch wheelset can be coupled with any equipment variant and any engine. The strength men of yore that stood out from the crowd are now a thing of the past. So from now on, even a tired S40 or V50 1.8 can go for thick pants and pretend that it has a lot of power under the hood.
Short turbo lag
However, because they are appropriate, the R design packages are only useful for the more powerful models. They look good on someone like the S40 AWD T5. Because the compact Swede with its supercharged five-cylinder not only offers 169 kW / 230 PS, but also a lot of driving pleasure. After a short, barely noticeable turbo lag, the transversely installed inline five-cylinder gets a lot of steam. The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from 1,500 tours - steadily up to 5,000 rpm.
The almost 1.6-ton all-wheel-drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.1 seconds. The top speed of 230 km / h is sufficient for the horsepower figure, but not very impressive. From Tempo 210 the air for the Swede surprisingly becomes quite thin. Volvo indicates the average consumption with 9.6 liters of super per 100 kilometers. The deeper apron and the wide tires visually create a harmonious picture. The attached spoiler at the rear is a bit too much of a good thing. This is less about downforce for the rear axle and more about a powerful appearance.
Successful mix
The chassis of the Volvo S40 T5 offers a successful mix of comfort and sportiness. For a sports model of this performance, the optional 18-inch rims are the better choice. The S40 T5 shouldn't be less than the standard 17-inchers anyway. During normal driving, the S50 AWD T5 transfers a large part of the engine power to the front axle.
Only when slip occurs here is the excess power transferred to the rear via the Haldex coupling. The flow of power in the S40 T5 still happens with a slight delay. In addition, driving forces can be felt in the steering.
Up to 4050 euros extra
The surcharge for the R packages is between 1530 and 4050 euros, depending on the model. The Volvo S40 T5 AWD R starts at 38,910 euros. The R packages undoubtedly offer more contour definition for the individual Volvo models. However, it is doubtful whether the real sports models with the R in the radiator grille can be dispensed with in the long term. The competition is tough and sportier than ever. The main competitors of Volvo come from Munich, Ingolstadt and Stuttgart. And even manufacturers such as Chrysler, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Opel have long since ceased to be without high-powered sports models.
