Model Overview: 2008 Volvo S40

Model Overview: 2008 Volvo S40

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

S40 2.4i: $24,365

S40 T5: $28,515

S40 T5 AWD: $30,365

Destination: $745

With revised exterior and interior styling, new safety features and enhanced storage and versatility, the S40 premium compact sedan moves boldly into the 2008 model year. Drawing its inspiration from Volvo's flagship S80, the S40 receives a new front fascia, egg crate grille sporting a 50 percent larger Ironmark badge, redesigned headlamps and full-width lower air intake. At the rear, new LED taillights, bumper and trunk lid handle complete the visual makeover.

Expanding the already lengthy roster of standard safety features is new Automatic Hazard Warning. Should any of the S40's airbags be deployed, the hazard lights will automatically be activated to attract the attention of other motorists. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is now standard, while Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is a new option available on all models. Active Bi-Xenon headlights that swivel the light beam in continuous synch with steering direction is a new option for T5 models.

The ultra-slim center console that made its world debut on the S40 has become an icon of Volvo's progressive interior design. Redesigned floor console features increased storage space, a more compact handbrake and a revised armrest for greater driver comfort. Nordic Light Oak wood inlays can now be specified for the cabin of the S40 2.4i as part of the Select Package. Aluminum inlays remain standard on the S40 T5 and S40 T5 AWD. These models gain redesigned instrumentation with sporty watch dial style gauges.

An auxiliary input with MP3 capability, now standard on all models, has been repositioned under the center armrest for greater ease of use. A high performance audio system and Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary six-month subscription is standard on T5 models. Audiophiles will delight in the new Dynaudio® Package that puts out 650 watts through 12 speakers. The Volvo Navigation system with DVD map data and remote control remains optional.

A choice of powertrains gives each S40 model a distinct character. A normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine that produces 168-horsepower motivates the S40 2.4i. It can be mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission. Boosting the fun factor, horsepower for the S40 T5 high-pressure turbocharged engine is now increased from 218 hp to 227 hp.

The S40 provides confidence-inspiring performance with each powerplant. An extremely rigid platform affords levels of steering precision and suspension nimbleness found in the top vehicles in its class. Advanced braking, steering and chassis systems enable the S40 to feel secure in its capabilities across a broad spectrum of driving conditions.

In the S40, Volvo continues its groundbreaking use of high-tensile steel. In the front structure, four different grades of steel are used in an intelligent interplay to provide maximum safety for the car's occupants.

Side impact protection is addressed by the use of extremely rigid cross members that form a 3-way attachment between the leading edge of the A-pillar and the base of the B-pillar. Similar cross members are found in the rear doors as well. This system of energy absorption, along with the slim-design 5-cylinder engines is called Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), representing an innovative approach to vehicle safety design.