The S40 by Volvo is the lowest priced Volvo sedan. This vehicle has done well in crash safety testing. The lower price means the consumer will be compromising certain things, but the vehicle still leaves a lot to be desired. The S40 measures 172.6 inches long; it is smaller than the Corolla. The rear seat area is more compact as well, so it is more coupe like than family oriented.
The Volvo S40 has a sophisticated exterior that will turn some heads as you drive. There are updates being added to the S40 so it remains competitive, sporty, and eye catching. Launched in 2003, the S40 is remains in the race of popular vehicles.
The 2010 models come in two trims. You can get one with a 2.4 Liter five cylinder 168 hp engine or you can get one with front wheel or all wheel drive in the T5 sport configurations housing a 2.5 Liter 227 hp motor. The 2.4i has a five speed manual tranny and the T5 sports a six speed manual or a optional five speed tranny.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 2.4L I-5, 2.5L turbocharged I-5
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Models: 2.4i, T5 R-Design, T5 R-Design AWD
What's New
Standard equipment for the 2.4i now includes a 5-speed manual transmission, a leather-covered gearshift with aluminum inlay, electronic climate control, and adjustable front headrests. Options include a navigation system and satellite radio. Standard equipment for the T5 R-Design now includes adjustable front headrests, while the Preferred Packages gain a power glass moonroof, keyless ignition, and a power front passenger's seat. The T5 is also now available with Ice White paint.
Exterior
Despite the fact that the S40's basic sheetmetal reaches back seven years now (with mild freshenings), the small Volvo sedan doesn't appear dated at all. Proof that there's nothing like a mix of good proportions and tasteful details.
Interior
One of the S40's highlights is its free-standing, ultra-thin, waterfall ‘center-stack' that elegantly flows between the front seats -- very Swedish. You'll also appreciate its logical control layout.
Performance & Handling
While the S40 is a nimble car, its 168 horsepower affords it an estimated 8.4-second 0-60 time – a competent, but middling result. The T5's 227-hp makes for a much faster S40 – consider a 0-60 mph time in an estimated 6.7 seconds – but this comes with a slight dose of torque-steer under full power. The AWD T5 not only solves that, but provides improved grip in inclement conditions too.
Safety
The NHTSA gives the S40 a four-star frontal driver rating, with five stars for the front passenger, side driver and rear passenger. In addition, Volvo's Automatic Hazard Warning system activates the S40's hazard lights whenever the airbags are deployed. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard; blind spot detection is optional.
EPA Fuel Economy
2.4i: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual); 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)
T5 R-Design FWD: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway (manual); 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic)
T5 R-Design AWD: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual); 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway (automatic)
You'll Like
- Classy interior
- Solid handling
- Thoughtful safety features
- Available all-wheel-drive
You Won't Like
- Tight rear-seat space
- Aging design
- Mild torque-steer in FWD models
Sum Up
Still attractive despite its age
If You Like This Vehicle
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Subaru Impreza
- Mazda3
- Honda Civic