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Volvo South Africa has secret plans to launch a 1.8-litre S40 here, which will slot in below the 2.4i model. Earlier this week we spotted an S40 with 1.8 badging parked in the street at our offices in Cape Town.
We immediately contacted Volvo about this car and the Swedish carmaker's comment was that it is "not official or available yet, but more info will follow shortly".
Under the bonnet of this "budget" Volvo is a four cylinder 1.8-litre engine, which kicks out 92 kW at 6 000 r/min while torque is 165 Nm at 4000 r/min.
This model's 0-100 km/h sprint is an acceptable 10.9 seconds and its top speed is 200 km/h. Volvo claims an average fuel consumption of 7.2-litres/100 km.
Currently the entry-level model in the S40 range is the 2.4i derivative, with an already keen price tag of R227 000.
Although there is no indication yet of its price tag for an 1.8-litre S40 we expect it to be about R20 000 less than the 2.4i, but only time will tell if our price prediction is spot on.
However, we reckon that the 1.8-litre S40 will be an instant hit with local car buyers and that you will get a lot of car for your money. Furthermore the Volvo S40 2.4i is also the current South African Car of the Year and it is one of the most stylish vehicles in its class.
