S40 and V40 Phase II

More than just the minor facelift (look for new wheel arches, clear-glass headlights and tail-lights), the Phase II S40/V40 featured a wider and longer track, better passive and active safety, more refined and efficient engines, a five-speed auto to replace the old four-speed unit and significantly improved front suspension.

Power outputs were now: 90kW/170Nm 1.8 (as before) a 100kW/190Nm 2.0 DOHC 16V with VVT a low-pressure turbo 121kW/240Nm 2.0 and a bigger 147kW/300Nm 2.0 for the T4. But it still wasn’t enough against its ever-evolving prestige rivals.

Special editions included the 100kW 2.0 Sport from early ’02 and the well-equipped 2.0 Aktiv from mid-’03.

The Ford C1-Technologies platform that also spawned the Focus II and Mazda3 formed the basis for the S40/V40 replacement in June ‘04 – with the latter being renamed V50 in the process.