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Car and Caravan Outfit Matcher

Volvo

Volvo S40 2.0D
Sprite Alpine 4

Sprite
Performance
Weight

The Volvo S40 2.0D with a Sprite Alpine 4 with an actual weight of 1237 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.

The motor preformance of the Volvo is in general fairly good. And also the weight of the Sprite with a User Payload (190 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is pretty good.

Flat roads
Towing Performance
219
201

Mountains
Risk of snaking
255
167

Weight ratio: 74% (85% of kerbweight) 1237 kg 1663 kg

Payloads

The User Payload in the car (including all passengers) and in the caravan is:

Car
Caravan




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Volvo

Volvo S40 2.0D
Sprite Alpine 4

Sprite

Actual Weights

Performance

 

Weight

  • The towing limit of the Volvo is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
  • If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, a B driving license is enough.
  • Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 74%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 85%.
  • There is a small chance of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are great at high speed. For drivers with knowledge of, and experience in driving a caravan it is safe to drive, but proper and careful loading is still important! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is worth considering.
  • Recommended noseweight is 70 kg.
  • Safe speed up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
  • Stability and safety score to compare is 167 points.

If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.

Conclusion

  • Performance is fairly good.
  • If the caravan is well loaded safe driving is possible.
  • It's a perfect match!

 

Influence of User Payload on stability

Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.

Distribute the User Payload by yourself in the caravan and the car and then find out the stability rating of your loading configuration.

More information

More detailed information and specifically calculated top speeds and performance of this outfit.


Specifications

Volvo S40 2.0D
2008-2010

Power
136 PS (100 kW)
Torque
320 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Kerbweight
kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
kg
Towing limit
kg
Towball limit
kg
Gross Train Weight (GTW)
kg

Sprite Alpine 4

Mass in Running Order (MIRO)
kg
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM)
kg


User Reviews

Robert Fulton reviewed a Volvo S40 2.0D:

"Having previous experience of a much less suited rig out of car and caravan, towing with the volvo 2.0d s40 has been delightful. The engine delivers more than adequate power at low revs to enable both the car and caravan to effortlessly reach cruising speed. The volvo feels a chunky and solid car especially when attached to the caravan due to an abscence of buffetting within the car when towing. I recognise that my current car / caravan match is better suited to that of my previous outfit and that this would contribute to a reduction in buffetting....though having clocked up several thousand miles towing with the volvo, I believe the car to be well suited for this purpose. However, with hindsight I can see how the v50 estate version of my s40 would be better suited to caravaning due to its larger boot. A word of caution however to any prospective purchasers who may be about to pay that 'little extra' to what is basically a Ford Focus with a volvo body attach. I have been experiencing ongoing issues with my car...the current one being the amount of smoke discharged when accelerating.....(which the dealer and Volvo customer care believe to be normal). Should they have told me this before buying or had a photo of this within their glossy brochure...I know I would not be writing this review about a Volvo simply because I wouldn't have bought such a pollutant.

Regards
Robert Fulton"

See more Volvo S40 reviews.

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