2009 Volvo S40 in Union City, NJ - $5,995

Volvo did not rest on its laurels after giving the S40 revised exterior and interior styling, new safety features and enhanced storage and versatility last year. Drawing its inspiration from the automaker's S80 flagship, the S40 received a new front fascia, egg crate grille sporting a 50 percent larger Ironmark badge, redesigned headlamps and a full-width lower air-intake. At the rear new LED tail lights, bumper and trunk lid handle completed the visual makeover.

For 2009, the Swedish automaker adds a new sporty flair in the S40 lineup as Volvo equips the turbocharged T5 Front - and AWD models with standard R-Design equipment. Cues that set the R-Design apart include a unique grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers, Off Black Flextech/Crème premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logo, aluminum sport pedals, sport shift knob, R-Design inlays, watch dial instrument cluster and sport steering wheel.

In addition to the R-Design elements, both T5 models are enhanced with standard power driver seat memory, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. New 18-inch "Midir" diamond-cut wheels are now optional. And so is the enhanced Volvo DVD-based navigation system with improved driver interface.

Meanwhile the normally aspirated S40 2.4i receives a plethora of standard features that were previously optional. Enhancing the value of Volvo's most attainable sedan is a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch "Spartacus" wheels, a high-performance sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player and MP3 capability, Sirius satellite radio, aluminum inlays, power moonroof, front fog lights, power driver's seat and Bluetooth. Nordic Light Oak inlays can be selected as an option.

Base power for the front-drive S40 sedan is generated by a capable 2.4L five-cylinder engine bolted to a five-speed manual gearbox. T5 and AWD models come equipped with a 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder engine joined to a an electronically controlled five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with Geartronic and Winter mode selection.

The AWD model is equipped with an electronically-controlled Haldex all-wheel drive system. The system is optimized to provide superior roadholding and dependable tractive force in all road conditions.

With Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture as the foundation, the S40's suspension hardware includes MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar in front, an independent, multi-link configuration at the rear with coil springs and a stabilizer bar.

Inside, the cabin reflects Volvo's Scandinavian design heritage -- clean and modern with a dashboard that is minimalist almost to a fault. The ultra-slim center control panel enhances the sensation of space and integrates the functions of the sedan's climate control and audio systems.

A 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 2.4i model as part of the Select Package. The T5 models gain redesigned instrumentation with sporty watch dial style gauges.

Seating for five in the S40 is extremely comfortable -- with the driver's manual seat adjustments coming in for special mention -- very userfriendly for drivers of all sizes. The front passenger seat folds down for increased flexibility in moving passengers and cargo. The rear seat is a traditional 60/40 split arrangement -- the seat backs fold down for additional cargo hauling capabilities.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.9; overall length: 176.2; width: 69.7; height: 57.2 (FWD), 57.9 (AWD). All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.4L - 168 hp at 6,000 rpm and 170 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 2.5L turbocharged - 227 hp at 5,000 rpm and 236 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual or five-speed adaptive automatic.

EPA fuel economy: (2.4i) – 20 city/31 hwy; (T5 R) – 20 city/28 hwy: (T5 R AWD) – 18 city/26 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 12.6 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake assistance, electronic brake distribution, Bluetooth hands-free phone, front/rear fog lights, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitors, central locking system, remote keyless entry, alarm system, traction control, and dynamic stability control.

Optional safety features include a blind spot information system, dual Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, navigation system and keyless drive.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Volvo S40 sedan starts from $ 28,550 for the 2.4i; $32,350 for the T5 R; and $33,80 for the T5 R AWD. Destination charges add $825.

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