What You Should Know!
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Vehicle Overview
Volvo's smallest sedan, the compact S40, comes in 2.4i and T5 trim levels, the latter offered in all- as well as front-wheel drive. The S40 and its V50 wagon sister were substantially freshened for 2008. The T5 gets more power by turbocharging the same inline-five found in the 2.4i. Competitors include the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4.
New for 2009
The R-Design appearance package for the interior and exterior is standard on T5 models. Volvo simplified its options list, making many once-optional features standard. A manual transmission is no longer offered.
Exterior
For 2008, the nose and tail were modified, but the overall shape wasn't changed much. For 2009, T5 models get a standard R-Design appearance package, which includes a unique grille, a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers.
The S40 is small, coming in at 176.2 inches long and 69.7 inches wide — as compact as a Honda Civic. The Saab 9-3 and Audi A4 have the same width but are noticeably longer. There are standard integrated turn signals, fog lights, power heated mirrors, power glass sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 18-inch aluminum wheels and bi-xenon headlights with articulating headlamps are optional.
Interior
The standard upholstery in the five-occupant interior has a slightly coarse woven feel that's said to be inspired by sportswear. Leather upholstery is available. T5 R-Design trims come with unique premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logos, aluminum sport pedals, a sport shift knob, R-Design inlays, a watch dial instrument cluster and a sport steering wheel. Aluminum trim is now standard on both the 2.4i and the T5; Nordic Light Oak trim are optional.
The rear seatbacks fold down separately, and the front passenger seat's backrest also folds flat. Passenger volume comes in at 92.5 cubic feet, larger than the A4 but slightly less space than the 9-3. Cargo is a relatively small 12.6 cubic feet — the smallest of the group. Locks and windows with express down/up, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, parking brake and steering wheel, and eight-speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash CD player are standard. However, heated front seats (standard on T5) and navigation system are optional.
Under the Hood
The S40 comes standard with an aspirated inline five-cylinder engine, while the T5 gets a turbocharged unit. All vehicles now come standard with an automatic transmission. 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter five-cylinder with 170 pounds-feet of torque and 227-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque are available. There is standard five-speed automatic transmission. Keyless drive is optional and there is a choice between front- or all-wheel drive.
Safety
Volvos are known for their safety, and the S40 is no different. The car has a long list of standard safety features, including new-for-2009 automatic hazard warning lights that turn on when the airbags are deployed.
Other safety features include: standard front-, side-impact and side curtain airbags, antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability system and traction control, security system, and immobilizer-encrypted ignition key. Blind spot warning system and rain-sensing windshield wipers are optional.
