The 2012 Volvo S40 sedan/V50 mid-sized wagon ranges have been upgraded for Australia, with a new mid-spec model, added features and significantly reduced prices among the key highlights.
The T5 Lifestyle model joins the line-ups between the entry-level T5 S and the sport-themed T5 R-Design. Similar to the updated MY12 Volvo C30, the Lifestyle model comes with a range of standard featuring including 17-inch Zaurak alloy wheels, electric driver’s seat with memory function, leather upholstery, Active Bending Lights and rain-sensing wipers.
These features are in addition to the already-standard list of LED daytime running lights, Volvo Emergency Brake Light system, and Bluetooth phone/audio streaming.
A new colour, Caspian Blue, replaces Barents Blue, and all S40 models now get full body coloured bumpers and wheel arches.
The mechanical specifications of both ranges are unchanged, meaning the 169kW/320Nm T5 turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed automatic transmission combination continues to provide combined cycle fuel figures of 9.5 litres/100km, and 0-100km/h sprints of 7.2-7.3 seconds.
The S40 and V50 are niche products for Volvo Car Australia. In the first eight months of 2011, just 135 S40s and 79 V50s were sold, down from 218 and 162 respectively during the same period in 2010.
2012 Volvo S40/V50 manufacturer’s list prices (excluding government and dealer charges):
- S40 T5 S – $39,990 (down $1960)
- S40 T5 Lifestyle – $42,990 (new model)
- S40 T5 R-Design – $44,990 (down $3960)
- V50 T5 S – $42,990 (down $1960)
- V50 T5 Lifestyle – $45,990 (new model)
- V50 T5 R-Design – $47,990 (down $3960)
