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The T4 does have one ace up its sleeve that puts it above anything: a high-pressure, high-output turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This beauty of a monster generates an even 200 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 2,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Putting things into perspective, these figures are close to the US-version Subaru Impreza WRX (227bhp, 292 Nm)—and the T4 weighs 85 kilograms less! Ultimately, this ‘wolf-in-sheep’s clothing’ design of the T4 generates the widest smiles and greatest levels of adrenaline rush. Though the engine can only be mated to a five-speed automatic, which can give a fair share of shift shocks, it can sprint to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds based on our chronograph-timed blasts. The compactness of the S40’s exterior always leads to the temptation that other motorists may start belittling the car’s abilities, jinking left to overtake even if you’re running at a fairly fast pace. Option A, is of course, to tolerate this behavior and be relegated to staring at the offending car’s taillights. Option B is: flex right foot, boost arrives, tachometer spins and from being level with your side mirror, that pesky car will suddenly be in your side mirror, a tiny, distant speck disappearing from view: no waiting necessary. In case the offending car catches up and wishes to confirm the experiment, repeat until desired results. This car goes from 40 to 160 km/h on short stretches of highway with nonchalant ease. The forced air-induction work not only works wonders for the Volvos’ straight-line performance, but it helps the power plant breathe easily in high altitude places such as Tagaytay City. The T4 finds little difficultly in the climb, using small amounts of revs as compared to high-revving engines which require a good trashing. The relaxed nature of the turbocharged inline-4 also works wonders for the T4’s fuel mileage figures. Despite continuously engaging the highly addictive turbocharger, it still manages to return 8.6 km/L during the duration of the weekend drive. However, it’s worth noting that mileage has a price: it requires a diet of high-octane unleaded (at least 95 and up), and that can burn the pocket. |
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