Strengths

Stylish interior; comfortable front seats; V50 cargo versatility; R-Design impressive performance

 

Changes

The Volvo S40 sedan and its V50 wagon counterpart get a number of equipment revisions and trim changes for 2009.

The S40 now comes in three trim levels: 2.4i, T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design. It loses its manual transmission and is available only with 5-speed automatic. The 2.4i gets a moonroof as standard as well as a leather parking brake handle and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The previously optional Select Package is now standard equipment, and includes fog lights, six-disc CD changer, aluminum interior trim, SIRIUS satellite radio and 17-inch wheels.

The V50 T5 model has been discontinued, leaving only the base 2.4i and T5 AWD R-Design. The 2.4i gets all the same changes as the S40 2.4i, while the upscale T5 AWD R-Design receives the same styling cues as its sedan counterpart. A moonroof and 17-inch wheels are also standard for 2009.

 

Value

The 2009 Volvo S40 and V50 are stylish, attractive small-car alternatives. Especially notable is the distinctive interior with its 'floating' center-stack design which brings an airier feel to the instrument panel. The T5 R-Design's more powerful engine brings impressive acceleration. Include Volvo's reputation for safety and the S40/V50 are a well-rounded value.

 

Overview

For 2009, the Volvo S40 sedan is offered in three models, while the V50 wagon comes in two. Sedans include the base 2.4i, the T5 R-Design and the T5 AWD R-Design. Wagon models include the 2.41 and T5 AWD R-Design.

The 2.4i models get a 2.4L five-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower, matched with a five-speed automatic transmission. Sporty T5 R-Design models get a 227-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder, with the five-speed auto. Both automatic transmissions have Geartronic manual control. The 2.4i and regular T5 are front-wheel drive, while the T5 AWD is all-wheel drive.

The S40 and V50 have a more stylish interior than is typical for small cars, with a memorable pass-through center console and "floating" center stack. Aluminum inlays plus chronograph-style gauges help distinguish the V50.

Several high-tech features that originally made their debut in Volvo's larger, more expensive models are offered on the S40 and V50. The blind spot information system (BLIS), which helps inform the driver when a vehicle is present in the adjacent lane, is available on all models, as is the active bi-xenon headlamp system, which helps increase visibility in dark corners by swiveling the beams to the side. The DVD-based navigation system is offered on R-Design models, as well as a 650-watt, 12-speaker Dynaudio Package.

R-Design models are show off by featuring more power and sportier suspension tuning, as well as fog lamps and appearance extras. Inside, they also get more interior appointments, like automatic climate control, upgraded audio, and a power driver's seat.

As they're Volvo models, a strong emphasis on safety is expected. Stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assistance are standard, as is a whiplash protection system, front side air bags and side curtain bags. If any of the air bags are deployed, the hazard lights are automatically activated.