2008 Volvo S40: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Volvo S40 gets freshened interior and exterior styling. This premium compact car comes as a 4-door sedan and as a wagon called the V50 (see separate report). Both share some elements of their basic design with the Mazda 3. S40s have a 5-cylinder engine and come in 2.4i and sporty T5 trims. The 2.4i models have 168 hp and front-wheel drive. T5s are turbocharged and have 227 hp and are available with front- or all-wheel drive. Manual or automatic transmission is available on the 2.4i. T5s are automatic only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A blind-spot monitoring system is optional. AWD T5s include a firmer sport suspension that's available for other models. Also available are a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen, leather upholstery, heated seats, and sunroof. The 2008 S40 gets a new front fascia and grille, as well as a revised center console.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.