S40: Changed for the Better

The Volvo S40 is a compact executive cars produced by Volvo. It debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003.

The S40 was refreshed for 2008. This new release continues to enhance Volvo's reputation as a maker of superb sports sedans. It is a 4-door, 5-passenger sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 2.4i to the T5 AWD. It features a revised interior and exterior, plus some high-tech features.

“The 2.4i is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I5, 168-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. The T5 AWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 227-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.”

Exterior auto parts changes for the new Volvo S40 is only to make a better version of an already good-looking car. Reviewers state that the new exterior design is one of main reasons for the car to have high points on reviews.

It features a new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark. It also got a new headlamp; even the fog lamps now have a new design, identical for both car models. The brake lights are now of LED type. It also has front and rear spoilers and side sills, a modest rear wing, and more.

For its size, this compact sedan is accommodating and comfortable. The S40's seats get mostly positive reviews. They are comfortable and supportive, and they offer a very good seating position. New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also contribute to the interior refinement. A new ‘Nordic Light Oak’ optional trim brightens the interior. It has an AM/FM CD player with four speakers. Bluetooth is optional for all trims.

Volvo's safety features also get good reviews. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com “In government crash tests, the 2008 S40 earned four out of five stars for driver protection in front crashes, and five out of five stars for front passenger protection.”

Some safety features include: hazard warning flashers which activates in order to warn other motorists of a sudden problem and encourage them to reduce speed; brake lamps that flashed five times per second to immediately warn motorists behind in case of a sudden brake; and it also has a standard tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2008 Volvo S40 has undergone a number of changes and it’s good to know that they’re for the better.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.