2000 Volvo V40

In the summer of 1995 Volvo released the S40 saloon (sedan) and V40 estate (station wagon). They were built in the Netherlands at the NedCar factory, a pre-Ford joint venture between Volvo and Mitsubishi Motors. It was based on a common platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma, but the Japanese version did not sell as well in Europe.

In 2001 the 40 Series went through a facelift ("Phase II"), and a number of technical improvements were simultaneously introduced, such as improved engine management, direct (diesel) fuel injection, extra safety features, larger brake discs, new front suspension and steering, revised rear suspension, larger tires and a slight widening of the track width.

The 40 Series cars were equipped with four-cylinder engines, such as a 1.9 L diesel or 1.6, 1.8,1.9T , or 2.0-litre fuel-injected gasoline engines, with low (2.0T) and high (T4) pressure turbo variants at the top of the motor range. The 1.9-litre was the only engine available in North America.