Changes for 2008 are about as extensive as one expects between complete model overhauls. Both the S40 sedan and V50 wagon get a fresh look, thanks to restyled front and rear ends. Interior improvements add small-item storage space, and all models now come standard with an auxiliary audio jack and USB port. In the Volvo fashion, there are also safety enhancements, including a feature that automatically starts the emergency flashers in the event of a collision. Volvo's BLIS blind-spot monitoring system and active Bi-Xenon headlights are now optional on the both S40 and V50. On the performance side, the turbocharged T5 models get a boost from 218 to 227 peak horsepower.

The Volvo S40 sedan and Volvo V50 wagon are relatively small cars: essentially the same size as a Honda Civic. Yet there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo inside, and the compact exterior dimensions make them easier to park. They are designed to be extremely safe, with active and passive safety features to help drivers avoid accidents, then protect them if there is a crash. Both the sedan and wagon rank among the best looking Volvos ever, and inside they offer clean, Scandinavian elegance. For both appearance and ease of function, the interiors rank among best in class.