New 2010 Volvo S40

The 2010 Volvo S40 features two powerful engine choices and improved fuel efficiency while combining sport styling, comfort and the ultimate in safety technology.

With stiff competition from Saab 9-3 and Audi A4, the premium, five-passenger 2010 Volvo S40 is the manufacturer’s smallest sedan offered and available in 2.4i and T5 R-Design trim levels. A 168 horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-5 now mated to a standard five-speed manual or available five-speed automatic powers the front-wheel-drive S40 2.4i. EPA estimated fuel economy for this engine is a respectable 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The high-performance T5 R-Design is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations and equipped with a powerful 227-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive model has a new-for-2010, standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional automatic. This engine can propel the 2010 Volvo S40 from 0-60 in an estimated 6.7 seconds and EPA fuel economy ratings are equally impressive at 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Sitting pretty on standard 17-inch wheels, the 2010 Volvo S40 is loaded with standard features that offer convenience and take the stress out of driving, including integrated turn signals, fog lights and power heated mirrors. Bi-xenon headlights and shiny 18-inch aluminum wheels are optional, as is a glass moonroof providing a gateway to the stars.

As for the interior, the flashy T5 R-Design is adorned in leather upholstery and features aluminum sport pedals, a sport shift knob and sport steering wheel. Both models offer a generous amount of passenger volume at 92.5 cubic feet and with the rear seats folded down, total cargo volume is 12.6 cubic feet. Evoking the best in comfort, the 2010 Volvo S40 features a standard leather-wrapped gearshift knob, parking brake and steering wheel and an eight-speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash CD player to provide the tunes. Heated front seats, keyless start and a navigation system are optional.

And of course, what would a Volvo be without first-class safety technologies? Among the long list of standard features are front-, side-impact and side curtain airbags, an antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability system and traction control, a security system and automatic hazard warning lights that illuminate when the airbags deploy. Options include a blind spot warning system and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2010 Volvo S40 premium sport sedan packs a gutsy engine and offers a plethora of standard features to maximize convenience and safety.